Alameda County, CA Rental Property Rules: Rent Control (2026)
Rent control rules in Alameda County, CA, also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances, limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.
Key Facts
- Law
- AB 1482 statewide rent cap
- Cap
- 5 percent plus CPI, max 10 percent
- Exemptions
- Units under 15 years, some single-family
- Help
- ECHO Fair Housing (510) 581-9380
Summary
Alameda County unincorporated areas fall under California AB 1482 statewide rent cap limiting annual increases to 5 percent plus CPI, maximum 10 percent.
(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. ... (2) If the same tenant remains in occupancy of a unit of residential real property over any 12-month period, the gross rental rate for the unit of residential real property shall not be increased in more than two increments over that 12-month period.
Full Breakdown
Unincorporated Alameda County does not have a local rent control ordinance but is covered by California AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act of 2019), which caps annual rent increases at 5 percent plus local CPI change, with a maximum total of 10 percent per 12-month period for covered units. AB 1482 applies to most multifamily properties over 15 years old. Single-family homes and condos owned by individuals (not corporations or REITs) are generally exempt, but require written notice of exemption. Some incorporated cities within the county (Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, Hayward, Fremont, San Leandro) have stricter local ordinances, but these do not apply to unincorporated areas like Castro Valley. ECHO Fair Housing offers free counseling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can my landlord raise rent in Castro Valley?
Is my single-family rental exempt from AB 1482?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Alameda County
California rules heatmap·Compare Alameda County to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
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