The Complexity of California Rent Regulation

Since the passage of AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act) in 2019, California has had statewide rent control. But that's only the floor—many cities have ordinances that go further.

AB 1482: The Baseline

Applies to:

Most residential rental properties 15+ years old

Properties owned by corporations, REITs, or LLCs with corporate members

Key provisions:

Rent increases capped at 5% + local CPI (max 10%) per year

Just cause eviction required after 12 months

Relocation assistance for no-fault evictions (one month's rent)

Exemptions:

Single-family homes owned by natural persons (with notice requirements)

Properties built within last 15 years

Owner-occupied duplexes

Subsidized housing (in some cases)

Cities with Stricter Local Ordinances

How to Determine Which Law Applies

Step 1: Check Exemptions

Is the property less than 15 years old?

Is it a single-family home you personally own?

Is it an owner-occupied duplex?

Step 2: Check Local Law

Does the city have rent control?

Does the property fall under local exemptions?

Is the local law stricter than AB 1482?

Step 3: Apply the Most Restrictive Law

When state and local laws conflict, **the more restrictive law typically applies**.

Common Landlord Mistakes

Mistake: Assuming AB 1482 exemption means no rent control

A single-family home exempt from AB 1482 may still be covered by local ordinances that don't have the same exemption.

Mistake: Not registering with local rent boards

Many cities require registration even for exempt properties. Failure to register can result in penalties and inability to raise rent.

Mistake: Incorrect notices

Rent increase notices have specific requirements:

30 days for increases up to 10%

90 days for increases over 10%

Local ordinances may require additional disclosures

Resources for Landlords

[California Apartment Association](https://caanet.org/) - Legal forms and guidance

[California Association of Realtors](https://www.car.org/) - Market data and legal updates

Local housing department websites for city-specific rules

The patchwork of rent regulations in California is genuinely confusing. I advise landlords to consult with a local real estate attorney before raising rent or pursuing evictions, especially in cities with strong tenant protections.

City	Rent Cap	Additional Requirements
San Francisco	Annual allowable increase (2.3% for 2024)	Rent board registration, buyout regulations
Los Angeles	3-8% depending on CPI	LAHD registration, relocation assistance
Oakland	CPI-based (typically 2-3%)	Rent board, just cause from day one
Berkeley	65% of CPI	Strict rent registration
Santa Monica	0.8% (2024)	Vacancy control on some units
San Jose	5% cap	Tenant protection ordinance
Mountain View	CPI-based	Rent stabilization program

Navigating California's Patchwork of Rent Control: State Law vs. Local Ordinances