Santa Clara, CA Rental Property Rules: Rent Control (2026)
Rent control rules in Santa Clara, 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 adopted: state law governs
- State Cap AB 1482
- 5 percent plus CPI, 10 percent max
- Exemptions
- SFHs/condos with notice, new construction 15 years
- Just Cause
- Required after 12 months occupancy
- Contact
- Housing Division (408) 615-2490
Summary
Santa Clara has no local rent control; state AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act) caps annual rent increases at 5 percent plus CPI up to 10 percent on qualifying units.
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. 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.
Full Breakdown
Santa Clara has not adopted a local rent stabilization ordinance, so state law governs residential rent increases. AB 1482 (California Civil Code 1946.2 and 1947.12), effective 2020, caps annual rent increases on covered rental units at 5 percent plus the regional CPI, with an absolute maximum of 10 percent per 12-month period. AB 1482 exempts single-family homes and condos owned by non-corporate owners (with proper written notice to tenant), and housing built within the last 15 years (rolling). Covered tenancies also receive just-cause eviction protections after 12 months of occupancy, requiring owners to state an allowable reason and pay relocation for no-fault terminations. Santa Clara County Housing Authority administers voucher programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can my landlord raise rent?
Is my single-family rental rent-controlled?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clara to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Rent Control in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle rent control.