Rent control rules in San Mateo, CA β also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances β limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.
San Mateo does not have a local rent control ordinance. Covered rental properties are subject to California AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act), which caps annual rent increases at 5% plus CPI or 10%, whichever is less. San Mateo County CPI determines the specific cap each year.
The City of San Mateo has not enacted a local rent control ordinance. Rent regulation is governed by California's statewide Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482). AB 1482 covers most residential properties built more than 15 years ago. Exempt properties include single-family homes with proper notice, owner-occupied duplexes, and newer construction. The annual cap is 5% plus the applicable regional CPI, or 10%, whichever is less. The San Mateo County/San Francisco area CPI is used for the calculation. Landlords must provide 30 days' notice for increases up to 10% and 90 days' for larger increases. AB 1482 is set to expire January 1, 2030. The city previously adopted an emergency just cause eviction ordinance (Ord. 2019-12) that provides additional local tenant protections.
Rent increases exceeding AB 1482 caps are void. Tenants may recover excess rent plus attorney's fees. The California AG's office enforces statewide.
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