{"id":4969,"date":"2024-06-11T21:10:57","date_gmt":"2024-06-12T01:10:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/?post_type=manual_kb&#038;p=4969"},"modified":"2026-10-27T08:55:19","modified_gmt":"2026-10-27T12:55:19","slug":"raise-rent-laws-in-california","status":"publish","type":"manual_kb","link":"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/article\/raise-rent-laws-in-california\/","title":{"rendered":"How Much Can You Raise Rent in California in 2026?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How much can you raise rent in California? For a rental covered by the Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482), the statewide cap is 8.1% to 8.8% for increases that take effect August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027; the exact figure depends on the county, and a lower local limit may apply when a city or county ordinance covers the unit. The state formula is the lower of 5% plus the applicable cost-of-living change or 10% over a 12-month period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">California Civil Code section 827 separately requires at least 30 or 90 days\u2019 written notice, based on the cumulative increase during the preceding 12 months. If the total increase is more than 10%, the notice period is 90 days, not 60.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not every California city has its own rent control, but the <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB1482\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482)<\/a> limits rent increases for eligible properties statewide, and local ordinances may add further protections. This article covers the cap, which homes it applies to, the exemptions, and the notice a landlord must give.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/assets.resources.rentpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/14042821\/california-doj-rent-cap-chart-2026-2027.jpg\" alt=\"California Department of Justice county rent-cap chart for August 2026 through July 2027\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">California DOJ rent-cap chart for increases effective August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<nav class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents\"><ol><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/article\/raise-rent-laws-in-california\/#how-much-can-you-raise-rent-in-california\">How much can you raise rent in California?<\/a><ol><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/article\/raise-rent-laws-in-california\/#per-year-rent-increase-in-california\">Per year rent increase in California<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/article\/raise-rent-laws-in-california\/#month-to-month-rent-increase-in-california\">Month-to-month rent increase in California<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/article\/raise-rent-laws-in-california\/#what-is-the-rent-cap-in-california\">What is the rent cap in California?<\/a><ol><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/article\/raise-rent-laws-in-california\/#consumer-price-index-cpi-reference-for-rent-increases\">Consumer Price Index (CPI) reference for rent increases<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/article\/raise-rent-laws-in-california\/#does-california-have-rent-control\">Does California have rent control?<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/article\/raise-rent-laws-in-california\/#what-properties-are-covered-by-the-california-tenant-protection-act-ab-1482\">What properties are covered by the California Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482)?<\/a><ol><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/article\/raise-rent-laws-in-california\/#costa-hawkins-rental-housing-act\">Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/article\/raise-rent-laws-in-california\/#single-family-home-rent-increase-california\">Single family home rent increase California<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/article\/raise-rent-laws-in-california\/#how-often-can-a-landlord-raise-rent-in-california\">How often can a landlord raise rent in California?<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/article\/raise-rent-laws-in-california\/#can-a-landlord-raise-rent-by-more-than-10-in-california\">Can a landlord raise rent by more than 10% in California?<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/article\/raise-rent-laws-in-california\/#california-rent-increase-notice-30-or-90-days\">California rent-increase notice: 30 or 90 days?<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/article\/raise-rent-laws-in-california\/#what-to-do-if-a-rent-increase-seems-unlawful\">What to do if a rent increase seems unlawful<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/article\/raise-rent-laws-in-california\/#what-are-the-new-rental-laws-in-california-for-2026\">What are the new rental laws in California for 2026?<\/a><ol><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/article\/raise-rent-laws-in-california\/#ab-628-stove-and-refrigerator-requirements\">AB 628: stove and refrigerator requirements<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/article\/raise-rent-laws-in-california\/#ab-414-electronic-security-deposit-returns\">AB 414: electronic security-deposit returns<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/article\/raise-rent-laws-in-california\/#ab-1414-internet-service-subscription-opt-out\">AB 1414: internet-service subscription opt-out<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/article\/raise-rent-laws-in-california\/#ab-747-service-of-process-rules\">AB 747: service-of-process rules<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/article\/raise-rent-laws-in-california\/#ab-12-security-deposit-cap\">AB 12: security-deposit cap<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/article\/raise-rent-laws-in-california\/#ab-1764-application-fee-receipts-by-email\">AB 1764: application-fee receipts by email<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/article\/raise-rent-laws-in-california\/#ab-1482-just-cause-eviction-categories\">AB 1482 just-cause eviction categories<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/article\/raise-rent-laws-in-california\/#how-to-manage-your-rental-property-and-rent-collection\">How to manage your rental property and rent collection<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/article\/raise-rent-laws-in-california\/#california-rent-increase-faqs\">California rent-increase FAQs<\/a><ol><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/article\/raise-rent-laws-in-california\/#is-60-days-notice-required-for-an-increase-above-10\">Is 60 days\u2019 notice required for an increase above 10%?<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/article\/raise-rent-laws-in-california\/#are-condominiums-automatically-exempt-from-ab-1482\">Are condominiums automatically exempt from AB 1482?<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/article\/raise-rent-laws-in-california\/#can-a-landlord-split-a-covered-increase-into-more-than-two-increases\">Can a landlord split a covered increase into more than two increases?<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><\/ol><\/nav>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-much-can-you-raise-rent-in-california\">How much can you raise rent in California?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before AB 1482 was enacted in 2019, California had no statewide limit on rent increases. Rent control was set entirely at the local level by the cities and counties that adopted their own ordinances; everywhere else, landlords could raise rent by any amount at renewal or with a proper rent-increase notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AB 1482 took effect on January 1, 2020 and is scheduled to expire on January 1, 2030. For a covered unit, it caps rent increases over any 12-month period at <strong>5% plus the regional change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), or 10%, whichever is lower<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"per-year-rent-increase-in-california\">Per year rent increase in California<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a covered unit, the increase over any 12-month period cannot exceed the <strong>lower of two computations<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>5% plus the applicable regional CPI change<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>10%<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both percentages apply to the lowest gross rent charged for the unit at any time during the previous 12 months, as set out in the <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1947.12.&amp;lawCode=CIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AB 1482 statute<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/assets.resources.rentpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/14042835\/california-civil-code-1947-12-cap.jpg\" alt=\"California Civil Code 1947.12 excerpt showing the rent-cap formula and 12-month base\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Civil Code 1947.12: the cap is measured against the lowest gross rent charged during the previous 12 months.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, if $1,500 was the lowest gross rent in the previous 12 months and the regional CPI change is 2.3%, the cap is 7.3% (5% plus 2.3%), so the new rent can be no more than $1,609.50.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the regional CPI change is 5.8%, 5% plus CPI would be 10.8%, so the 10% ceiling applies instead and the maximum new rent is $1,650.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/assets.resources.rentpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/30023953\/Screenshot-2026-03-30-120413.png\" alt=\"Illustration of the 5% plus CPI formula and 10% ceiling under AB 1482\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The AB 1482 formula: 5% plus the regional CPI change, never more than 10%.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/assets.resources.rentpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/30024024\/Screenshot-2026-03-30-120850.png\" alt=\"Illustrative AB 1482 calculations using $1,500 rent and two CPI assumptions\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Example calculations for a $1,500 unit, assuming $1,500 was the lowest gross rent in the previous 12 months and no lower local cap applies.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"month-to-month-rent-increase-in-california\">Month-to-month rent increase in California<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A month-to-month tenancy in a covered unit is subject to the same AB 1482 cap as a longer lease: the lower of 5% plus the regional CPI change or 10% of the lowest gross rent in the previous 12 months. The required notice depends on the size of the cumulative increase, not simply on whether the lease is month-to-month; see the <a href=\"#california-rent-increase-notice-30-or-90-days\">30- and 90-day notice rules<\/a> below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-the-rent-cap-in-california\">What is the rent cap in California?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because the CPI change differs by region, the AB 1482 cap differs by county. The California Department of Justice <a href=\"https:\/\/oag.ca.gov\/rentcaps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rent-cap chart<\/a> lists these limits for increases effective August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Los Angeles and Orange counties:<\/strong> 8.7%.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Riverside and San Bernardino counties:<\/strong> 8.1%.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>San Diego County:<\/strong> 8.2%.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo counties:<\/strong> 8.8%.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>All other counties:<\/strong> 8.6%.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are regional AB 1482 figures, not a universal maximum for every rental home. A city or county cap applies only when its ordinance covers the particular unit, and some local limits are lower than the state formula.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"consumer-price-index-cpi-reference-for-rent-increases\">Consumer Price Index (CPI) reference for rent increases<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AB 1482 uses the regional CPI change measured from <a href=\"https:\/\/caanet.org\/caa-updates-its-cpi-calculator-for-allowable-rent-increases-under-ab-1482\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">April of each year<\/a> to set the allowable increase. Which April figure applies depends on when the increase takes effect:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For rent increases effective before August 1: use the April CPI percentage from the previous year, rounded to the nearest one-tenth of a percent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For rent increases effective on or after August 1: use the April CPI percentage from the current year, rounded to the nearest one-tenth of a percent.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/dof.ca.gov\/forecasting\/economics\/economic-indicators\/inflation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">California Consumer Price Index (CA CPI)<\/a> is published by the state\u2019s Department of Finance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"does-california-have-rent-control\">Does California have rent control?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. California has a statewide rent cap under AB 1482, and some cities and counties have their own rent-control or rent-stabilization ordinances. A local rule matters only when the unit and tenancy meet that ordinance\u2019s coverage requirements. If a local ordinance covers the rental and allows a smaller increase for the same period, use the lower local limit and follow its additional timing and registration rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not assume a city\u2019s cap applies to every rental in that city. Check the address, unit type, building age, ownership, tenancy date, and any local exemptions before calculating an increase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-properties-are-covered-by-the-california-tenant-protection-act-ab-1482\">What properties are covered by the California Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482)?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AB 1482 applies to most residential rental units in California, except for certain types of property the law specifically exempts. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Units that received their certificate of occupancy within the past 15 years (a rolling test, so a unit becomes covered once it passes the 15-year mark)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Separately alienable single-family homes and condominiums, but only if the owner is not a REIT, a corporation, or an LLC with a corporate member, and the tenant receives the required written exemption notice<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Units covered by a local rent-control ordinance that limits annual increases to less than the state cap<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Duplexes where the owner lives in one unit, but only while the owner remains a resident<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mobile homes, unless owned and rented out by the mobile home park owner or manager<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Housing restricted as affordable by deed, government agreement, or other recorded document, or subject to an affordable housing subsidy agreement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dormitories<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A condo or house is not automatically exempt. Without the ownership condition and the written notice, the state cap applies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"costa-hawkins-rental-housing-act\">Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1954.52.&amp;lawCode=CIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act<\/a>, passed in 1995, limits local rent control for specified housing, including certain units with a certificate of occupancy after February 1, 1995, and qualifying separately alienable homes, subject to statutory conditions. That fixed February 1, 1995 date is separate from AB 1482\u2019s rolling 15-year test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For qualifying properties, Costa-Hawkins may permit setting the initial rent for a new tenancy after a vacancy. That is distinct from later increases during the same tenancy and does not itself establish that a unit is exempt from AB 1482.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"single-family-home-rent-increase-california\">Single family home rent increase California<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A single-family home in California is not automatically exempt from the state rent cap. A separately alienable house qualifies for the AB 1482 exemption only if the owner is not a REIT, a corporation, or an LLC with a corporate member, and the tenant receives the required written exemption notice. If either condition is missing, the cap applies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Costa-Hawkins also limits local rent control for qualifying separately alienable homes, subject to statutory conditions. Some cities may still apply local rules to single-family homes, so check the ordinance that covers the address.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When a home is exempt from both the state cap and local rent control, no cap limits the amount of the increase, but the 30- and 90-day notice rules still apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-often-can-a-landlord-raise-rent-in-california\">How often can a landlord raise rent in California?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a covered unit, the <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1947.12.&amp;lawCode=CIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tenant Protection Act<\/a> allows no more than <strong>two rent increases in any 12-month period<\/strong>, and the combined amount of both increases must stay within the applicable cap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"can-a-landlord-raise-rent-by-more-than-10-in-california\">Can a landlord raise rent by more than 10% in California?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not for a covered unit. Because AB 1482 uses whichever is lower, 5% plus CPI or 10%, the cap for a 12-month period is never more than 10%. Some units are exempt from the state cap and local rules may differ. A 90-day notice does not make an otherwise unlawful increase legal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When inflation peaked in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/regions\/west\/news-release\/consumerpriceindex_losangeles.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2022 into early 2023<\/a>, high regional CPI figures pushed 5% plus CPI above 10% across California, so the 10% ceiling became the cap statewide.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/assets.resources.rentpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/14043000\/california-cpi-historical-2021-2024.png\" alt=\"Historical Los Angeles CPI-U chart covering April 2021 through April 2024\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Los Angeles-area CPI-U, April 2021 through April 2024 (BLS). Historical only; use the current DOJ chart for 2026-2027 increases.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"california-rent-increase-notice-30-or-90-days\">California rent-increase notice: 30 or 90 days?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=827.&amp;lawCode=CIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Civil Code 827<\/a>, the 10% threshold is cumulative: compare the proposed increase, alone or combined with other rent increases during the prior 12 months, with the rent charged at any time in that 12-month lookback. The landlord must give at least 30 days\u2019 notice when the total is 10% or less, and at least 90 days when it is more than 10%; statutory service rules, including additional time for service by mail, still matter.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/assets.resources.rentpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/14042830\/california-civil-code-827-notice.jpg\" alt=\"Civil Code 827 excerpt showing cumulative 30-day and 90-day rent-increase notice thresholds\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Civil Code 827: 30 days\u2019 notice for a cumulative increase of 10% or less, 90 days for more than 10%.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-to-do-if-a-rent-increase-seems-unlawful\">What to do if a rent increase seems unlawful<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep the lease, earlier rent amounts, notice, payment records, and the date the proposed increase would start. Check the state formula and any local ordinance that covers the unit, then ask the landlord in writing to explain the calculation if it appears wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A tenant seeking recovery of money may be able to use small claims court, depending on the claim and facts. The <a href=\"https:\/\/selfhelp.courts.ca.gov\/small-claims-or-limited-civil\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">small-claims limits<\/a> are generally $12,500 for an individual and $6,250 for a business; court filing fees are $30, $50, or $75 by claim amount, but the fee is $100 for a filer who has filed more than 12 small-claims cases in the prior 12 months, and eligible filers may request a waiver.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/assets.resources.rentpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/14042838\/california-small-claims-basics.jpg\" alt=\"California Courts small-claims overview with individual and business claim limits\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">California Courts small-claims overview: claim limits for individuals and businesses.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not stop paying rent solely because you dispute an increase; that can create a separate eviction issue. California\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/oag.ca.gov\/tenants\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">tenant guidance<\/a> lists statewide information and routes to legal assistance, and the State Bar\u2019s lawyer-referral service is a referral resource rather than legal advice.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/assets.resources.rentpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/14042826\/california-state-bar-lawyer-referral.jpg\" alt=\"Screenshot of the State Bar of California lawyer-referral service page\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The State Bar of California lawyer-referral service.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-are-the-new-rental-laws-in-california-for-2026\">What are the new rental laws in California for 2026?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Several recent bills change California rental rules starting January 1, 2026, and one takes effect January 1, 2027. Earlier laws on security deposits, application-fee receipts, and just-cause evictions still apply alongside them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ab-628-stove-and-refrigerator-requirements\">AB 628: stove and refrigerator requirements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB628\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AB 628<\/a> adds a working stove and refrigerator to habitability requirements for leases entered into, amended, or extended on or after January 1, 2026. The law excludes permanent supportive housing, specified single-room-occupancy units and residential hotels, and units in facilities with shared or communal kitchens, including assisted-living facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A tenant may provide and maintain their own refrigerator only by mutual agreement when the lease is signed, with the required lease statement; the landlord cannot condition the tenancy on that choice. The tenant can later give 30 days\u2019 written notice to request a landlord-provided refrigerator, and a recalled stove or refrigerator must be repaired or replaced within 30 days after notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ab-414-electronic-security-deposit-returns\">AB 414: electronic security-deposit returns<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Effective January 1, 2026, <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB414\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AB 414<\/a> generally requires an electronic refund of the remaining deposit when the landlord received the deposit or rent electronically, using the tenant\u2019s written account designation or another method agreed to in writing. The landlord must give written notice of the electronic-return right; a written alternative method and specified eviction terminations are exceptions, and successor-landlord duties depend on whether the successor received rent electronically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 21-day itemized-statement and refund deadline remains. Multiple adult tenants have separate default rules and may make a written agreement about how the refund and statement are handled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ab-1414-internet-service-subscription-opt-out\">AB 1414: internet-service subscription opt-out<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1414\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AB 1414<\/a> covers third-party internet-service subscriptions. For a residential tenancy that begins, renews, or continues month-to-month or on another periodic basis on or after January 1, 2026, a tenant may opt out of paying for a qualifying third-party wired-internet, cellular, or satellite subscription offered with the tenancy; a landlord may still offer bulk billing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a landlord violates the opt-out rule, the law permits the tenant to deduct the subscription cost from rent and prohibits retaliation for exercising the right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ab-747-service-of-process-rules\">AB 747: service-of-process rules<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB747\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AB 747<\/a> is the Service of Process Accountability, Reform and Equity Act. Its specified service-of-process changes become operative January 1, 2027, including a requirement for at least three good-faith personal-delivery attempts on three different days at three different times before substituted service in covered cases, and added proof-of-service information for certain unlawful-detainer matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For covered eviction service, the proof must include at least one photograph when obtainable without compromising the process server\u2019s safety, plus readable date, time, and location information with GPS coordinates. The act provides a detailed-statement alternative when GPS or cellular signals are unavailable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ab-12-security-deposit-cap\">AB 12: security-deposit cap<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB12\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Assembly Bill No. 12<\/a>, effective July 1, 2024, generally limits residential security deposits to one month\u2019s rent under California Civil Code 1950.5. The small-landlord exception is narrow: it applies only to a qualifying natural person, or an LLC whose members are all natural persons, who individually or together with a spouse owns no more than two residential rental properties totaling no more than four dwelling units. That landlord may then charge up to two months\u2019 rent, and the exception does not apply to an active-duty service member.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">See the current <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1950.5.&amp;lawCode=CIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">security-deposit statute<\/a> for the conditions and other exclusions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ab-1764-application-fee-receipts-by-email\">AB 1764: application-fee receipts by email<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB1764\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Assembly Bill 1764<\/a> addressed how landlords deliver the receipt for an applicant\u2019s screening fee. Current <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1950.6.&amp;lawCode=CIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">screening-fee law<\/a> requires an itemized receipt, and the landlord and applicant may agree to deliver it to an email address provided by the applicant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ab-1482-just-cause-eviction-categories\">AB 1482 just-cause eviction categories<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under AB 1482, a landlord must have just cause to end a tenancy once the tenants have lived in the unit for at least 12 months, or once one tenant has lived there for 24 months or more. This keeps landlords from evicting tenants simply to re-rent above the cap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The law sets out <a href=\"https:\/\/oag.ca.gov\/system\/files\/media\/Tenant-Protection-Act-Landlords-and-Property-Managers-English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">two just-cause categories<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>At-fault reasons, such as nonpayment of rent or criminal activity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No-fault reasons, such as owner move-in or renovations, which require relocation assistance equal to one month\u2019s rent<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just-cause coverage and relocation assistance have their own occupancy and exemption tests; they do not determine whether a rent increase is within the cap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-manage-your-rental-property-and-rent-collection\">How to manage your rental property and rent collection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/\">RentPost<\/a> brings day-to-day rental tasks into one system, with a tenant portal for property details, payment history, online rent payments, maintenance requests, and messaging through its <a href=\"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/features\/property-management\">property-management tools<\/a>. Tenants can pay by ACH bank transfer or credit card, set up AutoPay, and get automatic reminders when rent is due. Managers can also organize online applications and use <a href=\"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/features\/tenant-screening\">tenant-screening reports<\/a> such as credit and background checks.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/assets.resources.rentpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/14043007\/rentpost-california-property-management-banner.png\" alt=\"RentPost property management software\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">RentPost property management software.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"california-rent-increase-faqs\">California rent-increase FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"is-60-days-notice-required-for-an-increase-above-10\">Is 60 days\u2019 notice required for an increase above 10%?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Civil Code 827 requires at least 90 days when the increase, alone or combined with other increases in the prior 12 months, is more than 10% under the statutory comparison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"are-condominiums-automatically-exempt-from-ab-1482\">Are condominiums automatically exempt from AB 1482?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. The separately alienable-home exemption has ownership and written-notice conditions, and Costa-Hawkins\u2019 local-control rules are distinct from AB 1482\u2019s rolling 15-year test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"can-a-landlord-split-a-covered-increase-into-more-than-two-increases\">Can a landlord split a covered increase into more than two increases?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. For a covered unit, AB 1482 allows no more than two increases in a 12-month period, and their combined amount must remain within the applicable cap.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":4982,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_ppma_block_editor_authors":""},"manualknowledgebasecat":[45,47],"manual_kb_tag":[],"ppma_author":[365],"class_list":["post-4969","manual_kb","type-manual_kb","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","manualknowledgebasecat-landlord","manualknowledgebasecat-rental-maintenance","author-karina"],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/manual_kb\/4969","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/manual_kb"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/manual_kb"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"version-history":[{"count":31,"href":"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/manual_kb\/4969\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6827,"href":"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/manual_kb\/4969\/revisions\/6827"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4982"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4969"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"manualknowledgebasecat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/manualknowledgebasecat?post=4969"},{"taxonomy":"manual_kb_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/manual_kb_tag?post=4969"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rentpost.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=4969"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}