El Cajon, CA Rental Property Rules: Rent Control (2026)
Rent control rules in El Cajon, CA, also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances, limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.
Key Facts
- Local Rent Control
- None. AB 1482 only
- 2025-2026 Cap
- 8.8% (5% + 3.8% SD CPI)
- Built Before
- 15 years old to be covered
- Notice Required
- 30 days (<10%); 90 days (>10%)
- Expiration
- AB 1482 expires Jan 1, 2030
Summary
El Cajon does not have a local rent control ordinance. Covered rental properties are subject to California's AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act), which caps annual rent increases at 5% plus CPI or 10%, whichever is less. For San Diego County in 2025-2026, the maximum allowable increase is 8.8%.
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
The City of El Cajon has not enacted a local rent control ordinance. Rent regulation is governed entirely by California's statewide Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482), effective January 1, 2020. AB 1482 covers most residential rental properties built before the calendar year minus 15 years. Exempt properties include single-family homes (if proper notice given), owner-occupied duplexes, and properties built within the last 15 years. For covered properties in San Diego County, the maximum allowable rent increase for 2025-2026 is 8.8%, calculated as 5% plus the regional CPI of 3.8%. Landlords must provide 30 days' notice for increases up to 10% and 90 days' notice for increases over 10%. AB 1482 is set to expire on January 1, 2030, unless renewed by the legislature.
Violations & Fines
Rent increases exceeding AB 1482 caps are void and unenforceable. Tenants may recover excess rent paid plus reasonable attorney's fees. The California Department of Justice enforces AB 1482 statewide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does El Cajon have rent control?
What is the maximum rent increase in El Cajon?
Is my rental covered by AB 1482?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in El Cajon
California rules heatmap·Compare El Cajon to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
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Rent Control in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Diego County handle rent control.