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Huntington Beach, CA Rental Property Rules: Rent Control (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified April 2026

Rent control rules in Huntington Beach, 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
Rent Cap
5% + CPI or 10% (lower)
Covered Units
Most 15+ year old rentals
Exemptions
SFR, newer construction

Summary

Huntington Beach does not have a local rent control ordinance. Rental properties are governed by California's AB 1482 which caps annual rent increases at 5% plus local CPI or 10%, whichever is lower, for qualifying units.

(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.

Source: California AB 1482View official code

Full Breakdown

Huntington Beach does not have its own local rent control ordinance. Many rental properties are covered by California's statewide Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482), which limits annual rent increases to 5% plus the local Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 10%, whichever is lower. AB 1482 applies to most residential properties over 15 years old. Exemptions include single-family homes owned by natural persons (with proper notice), newer construction, and certain other categories. Mobile home rent stabilization is a separate matter under state law.

Violations & Fines

Rent increases exceeding AB 1482 limits for covered units are void. Tenants may recover excess rent and potentially additional damages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Huntington Beach have rent control?
No local rent control. California's AB 1482 caps annual increases at 5% + CPI or 10% (whichever is lower) for qualifying properties.
Is my rental covered by AB 1482?
Most residential units over 15 years old are covered. Exemptions include owner-occupied single-family homes (with notice) and newer construction.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Huntington Beach

All Huntington Beach rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Huntington Beach to another location·View the California rental property rules overview

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Rent Control in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Orange County handle rent control.

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Light Restrictions
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Irvine, CA
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Anaheim, CA
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Orange, CA
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Santa Ana, CA
Significant Restrictions