Civil Code 1947.12 limits annual rent increases to 5 percent plus CPI, capped at 10 percent total, on most California rental units regardless of local ordinances.
The Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB-1482) at Civil Code 1947.12 caps annual rent increases on covered units at 5 percent plus regional CPI, with a 10 percent absolute ceiling. Costa-Hawkins (Civil Code 1954.50-1954.535) preempts local rent control on single-family homes, condos owned by individuals, and units built after February 1995. Covered units are generally apartments older than 15 years not held by individual single-family owners. Local rent control ordinances may apply stricter caps where Costa-Hawkins permits.
Excessive rent increases are unenforceable; tenants may sue for restitution and treble damages for willful violations.
See how Sonoma's rent control rules stack up against other locations.
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