California Statewide Rule

California Caps Rent Statewide and Allows Local Rent Control

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across California (2026)

Key Facts

Local rent control: Allowed (limited by Costa-Hawkins)
Statewide rent cap: 5% + local CPI, max 10% (AB-1482)
Statutes: Civ. Code § 1947.12 (AB-1482); §§ 1954.50+ (Costa-Hawkins)
Cities with rent control: LA, SF, Oakland, Berkeley, Santa Monica, San Jose, West Hollywood

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: California Civil Code 1947.12

Summary

California limits annual rent increases statewide to 5% plus the local change in the cost of living, capped at 10%, under the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB-1482). It also lets cities and counties enact their own stricter rent-control ordinances, subject to the limits of the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act.

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.

Source: California Civil Code 1947.12View official code

Full Breakdown

Under Civil Code § 1947.12, a landlord cannot raise rent over a 12-month period by more than 5% plus the percentage change in the cost of living, or 10%, whichever is lower, measured against the lowest rent in the prior 12 months. The statewide cap exempts housing issued a certificate of occupancy within the last 15 years and single-family homes or condos alienable separate from any other unit when owned by an individual (with proper notice). On top of this, California permits local rent-control ordinances, and cities including Los Angeles and San Francisco set lower caps. But the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act (Civ. Code §§ 1954.50 et seq.) limits those local laws: it exempts single-family homes, condos, and units first occupied after February 1, 1995, and lets owners reset rent to market on a new tenancy.

Violations & Penalties

A tenant charged above the lawful AB-1482 cap or a stricter local cap can demand a refund of the overcharge and a rollback; the excess increase is void. Local rent boards and city attorneys enforce municipal ordinances, and tenants may sue, sometimes for treble damages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is rent control legal in California?

Yes. California has a statewide rent cap under the Tenant Protection Act (AB-1482, Civ. Code § 1947.12) limiting most increases to 5% plus local CPI, capped at 10%, and it allows cities and counties to adopt their own stricter rent-control ordinances within the limits of the Costa-Hawkins Act.

Can a city in California pass its own rent control?

Yes. Cities and counties may enact local rent-control ordinances, and many do, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, and Santa Monica. But the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act (Civ. Code §§ 1954.50 et seq.) bars them from controlling single-family homes, condos, units first occupied after February 1, 1995, or rents on a new tenancy.

How much can rent increase in California each year?

For units covered by AB-1482, no more than 5% plus the local change in the cost of living over 12 months, with a hard ceiling of 10%, whichever figure is lower (Civ. Code § 1947.12). Cities with local rent control, such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, often cap increases even lower.

Sources

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.