San Mateo, CA Rental Property Rules: Rent Control (2026)
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.
Key Facts
- Local Rent Control
- None. AB 1482 only
- Cap Formula
- 5% + CPI or 10% (lower of two)
- CPI Region
- San Mateo County/SF area
- Notice Required
- 30 days (<10%); 90 days (>10%)
- Expiration
- AB 1482 expires Jan 1, 2030
Summary
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.
1947.12. (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. [...] (d) Subdivisions (a), (b), and (c) shall not apply to the following residential real properties: (1) Housing restricted by deed, regulatory restriction contained in an agreement with a government agency, or other recorded document as affordable housing.
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Fines
Rent increases exceeding AB 1482 caps are void. Tenants may recover excess rent plus attorney's fees. The California AG's office enforces statewide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does San Mateo have rent control?
What is the maximum rent increase?
Is my rental covered by AB 1482?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Mateo
California rules heatmap·Compare San Mateo to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
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