Rent control rules in San Mateo, CA — also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances — 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.
San Mateo, CA
San Mateo prohibits nuisance barking under the city's noise ordinance and animal control provisions. Owners must prevent habitual barking that disturbs neigh...
San Mateo, CA
San Mateo experiences aircraft noise from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), located approximately 3 miles north. The city cannot restrict FAA-contro...
San Mateo, CA
San Mateo regulates amplified sound under SMMC Section 7.30.080. Handheld amplified sound equipment cannot exceed 10 watts. All amplified sound must comply w...
San Mateo, CA
San Mateo limits permitted construction to 7 AM–7 PM weekdays, 9 AM–5 PM Saturdays, and noon–4 PM Sundays/holidays. Equipment cannot exceed 90 dB at 25 feet....
San Mateo, CA
San Mateo specifically regulates leaf blower operation under Chapter 10.80 in addition to the general noise ordinance. Leaf blowers must comply with both the...
San Mateo, CA
Fences up to 7 feet in San Mateo generally do not require a building permit if they comply with zoning regulations. Fences over 7 feet require a building per...
See how San Mateo's rent control rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.