Fresno, CA Rental Property Rules: Rent Control (2026)
Rent control rules in Fresno, 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: state law (AB 1482) applies
- Cap
- 5% + CPI or 10%, whichever is lower
- Applies To
- Buildings 15+ years old
- Exemptions
- Owner-occupied duplexes, new construction (<15 yrs)
- Expiration
- AB 1482 extended through January 1, 2030
Summary
Fresno does not have a local rent control ordinance. However, the statewide California Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) applies to most residential rental properties in Fresno. AB 1482 caps annual rent increases at 5% plus the local Consumer Price Index (CPI) change, or 10%, whichever is lower. The law applies to buildings 15 or more years old and exempts single-family homes owned by individuals (with proper notice), duplexes where the owner occupies one unit, and properties built within the last 15 years.
(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
AB 1482 took effect January 1, 2020 and was extended through January 1, 2030. Landlords must provide written notice of the exemption if claiming the single-family home exemption. The Fresno area CPI is tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Rent increases exceeding the cap are void. Landlords may bank unused rent increases but cannot exceed the annual cap in a single increase. Local housing groups including the Fresno Housing Authority provide tenant rights information.
Violations & Fines
Rent increases exceeding the AB 1482 cap are void and tenants may recover excess rent paid. Landlords who fail to provide required notices may face penalties. Tenants can file complaints with the California Department of Justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Fresno have rent control?
Is my single-family rental exempt from AB 1482?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fresno
California rules heatmap·Compare Fresno to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
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Rent Control in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fresno County handle rent control.