Riverside County, CA Rental Property Rules: Rent Control (2026)
Rent control rules in Riverside County, CA, also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances, limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.
Key Facts
- Requirement
- No local rent control in unincorporated Riverside County
- Occupancy
- AB 1482 statewide cap: 5% plus CPI, maximum 10%
- Transferability
- Applies to units 15-plus years old, not most single-family homes
- Requirement
- Maximum two increases per 12-month period
- Requirement
- Enforcement through private lawsuits
Summary
Unincorporated Riverside County has no local rent-control ordinance. California AB 1482, the Tenant Protection Act of 2019, applies statewide and caps annual rent increases on qualifying units at 5 percent plus regional CPI (capped at 10 percent total) for rental units more than 15 years old that are not single-family homes owned by non-corporate landlords.
(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. [...] (g)(1) 'Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for All Items' means the following: (A) The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for All Items (CPI-U) for the metropolitan area in which the property is located, as published by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, which are as follows: [...] (ii) The CPI-U for the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario metropolitan area covering the Counties of Riverside and San Bernardino.
Full Breakdown
12) is the only rent-cap law in force in unincorporated Riverside County. It covers most multifamily units built 15 or more years ago, and excludes single-family homes and condominiums owned by individuals (provided proper written notice of exemption was given), newer construction within the 15-year rolling window, deed-restricted affordable housing, and duplexes where the owner occupies one unit. 8 percent; the combined cap is always 10 percent. Only two rent increases are allowed in any 12-month period. Banking of unused increases is not allowed. Local ordinances in the incorporated cities of Riverside County (such as Riverside and Palm Springs) may impose additional protections, but the unincorporated areas rely solely on state law.
Enforcement is through private civil action; tenants can recover damages, attorney fees, and up to three times actual damages if the landlord acted willfully. The California Civil Rights Department provides guidance and mediation resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can my landlord raise rent this year?
Is my rental covered?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Riverside County
California rules heatmap·Compare Riverside County to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
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