Fresno County, CA Rental Property Rules: Rent Control (2026)
Rent control rules in Fresno County, CA, also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances, limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.
Key Facts
- State Cap
- 5% + CPI (max 10%)
- Typical 2024-25
- ~8-9%
- Local Ord
- None
- New Const Exempt
- <15 years
- Individual SFR
- Exempt with notice
Summary
CA AB 1482 caps annual rent increases in unincorporated Fresno County at 5% + regional CPI, not to exceed 10%. No stricter local rent control.
(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. The gross per-month rental rate and any owner-offered discounts, incentives, concessions, or credits shall be separately listed and identified in the lease or rental agreement or any amendments to an existing lease or rental agreement.
(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, subject to the other restrictions of this subdivision governing gross rental rate increase.
(b) For a new tenancy in which no tenant from the prior tenancy remains in lawful possession of the residential real property, the owner may establish the initial rental rate not subject to subdivision (a). Subdivision (a) is only applicable to subsequent increases after that initial rental rate has been established.
(d) This section shall not apply to the following residential real properties:
(1) Housing restricted by deed, regulatory restriction contained in an agreement with a government agency, or other recorded document as affordable housing for persons and families of very low, low, or moderate income.
(4) Housing that has been issued a certificate of occupancy within the previous 15 years, unless the housing is a mobilehome.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
CA Civil Code §1947.12 (AB 1482) limits rent increases on covered rental units to 5% plus the Western regional CPI or 10%, whichever is lower, in any 12-month period. The Western CPI typically produces a ~8-9% cap in recent years. Fresno County has not adopted local rent stabilization for unincorporated areas. Exemptions mirror just-cause (SFRs by individuals, new construction <15 years, ADUs shared with owner).
Violations & Fines
Excess rent collected: recoverable by tenant. Landlord may face treble damages for willful overcharges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does rent control apply to my rental in unincorporated Fresno County?
What's the maximum rent increase allowed in Fresno County in 2025?
Do I need to give notice before raising rent?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fresno County
California rules heatmap·Compare Fresno County to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
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