San Diego County, CA Rental Property Rules: Rent Control (2026)
Rent control rules in San Diego County, CA, also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances, limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.
Key Facts
- Annual Cap
- 5% + CPI or 10% max
- State Law
- AB 1482. Tenant Protection Act
- Local Ordinance
- None: state law only
- Notice (≤10%)
- 30 days written
- Notice (>10%)
- 90 days written
Summary
California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) limits annual rent increases to 5% plus local CPI or 10%, whichever is less, for covered properties in unincorporated San Diego County. The County itself has not enacted additional rent control beyond state law.
rty [1940 - 1954.071] ( Chapter 2 enacted 1872. ) 1947.12. (a) (1) Subject to subdivision (b), an owner of residential real property shall not, over the course of any 12-month period, increase the gross rental rate for a dwelling or a unit more than 5 percent plus the percentage change in the cost of living, or 10 percent, whichever is lower, of the lowest gross rental rate charged for that dwelling or unit at any time during the 12 months prior to the effective date of the increase. In determining the lowest gross rental amount pursuant to this section, any rent discounts, incentives, concessions, or credits offered by the owner of such unit of residential real property and accepted by the tenant shall be excluded.
Full Breakdown
California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482, effective January 1, 2020) caps annual rent increases at 5% plus the annual percent change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the metropolitan area, up to a maximum of 10%. This applies to most residential rental properties in unincorporated San Diego County. The County has not enacted additional local rent control ordinances. Exempt properties include single-family homes and condos owned by natural persons (not corporations) with proper AB 1482 exemption notice provided, properties less than 15 years old, and certain other categories. Landlords must provide at least 30 days' written notice for rent increases of 10% or less, and 90 days' notice for increases over 10%.
Violations & Fines
Rent increases exceeding the AB 1482 cap are void and unenforceable. Tenants can recover excess rent paid. Landlords may face additional damages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there rent control in unincorporated San Diego County?
Is my property exempt from rent control?
How much notice must a landlord give for a rent increase?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego County to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
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