If you own rental property in California, AB 1482—the Tenant Protection Act of 2019—is the law that sets the ceiling on how much you can raise rent each year. Getting the math wrong isn't just an oversight; it can mean refunding an unlawful increase, facing a tenant petition, or paying the other side's attorney's fees.
Here's exactly how the cap works, what it is right now, and how to apply it correctly.
The AB 1482 Formula
Under California Civil Code §1947.12, the maximum rent increase in any 12-month period for a covered unit is:
5% plus the regional Consumer Price Index (CPI), or 10% total—whichever is lower.
The CPI figure is measured April to April for the region where your property sits, and updates take effect each August 1.
Current Rent Increase Caps (August 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027)
| Region | Max Increase |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles & Orange County | 8.7% |
| San Diego | 8.2% |
| Riverside & San Bernardino | 8.1% |
| Bay Area (five core counties) | 8.8% |
| Everywhere else statewide | 8.6% |
Example: A unit in Los Angeles renting for $1,500/month can be raised by up to 8.7% under the statewide cap—an increase of about $130.50, bringing the new rent to roughly $1,630.50.
Important: These are maximums, not automatic entitlements, and they apply within any 12-month period. If you already raised rent within the last year, a new increase can't stack on top of the prior one beyond the cap.
Cities With Stricter Local Rent Control
AB 1482 is a statewide floor, not a ceiling that overrides local rules. Some cities have their own rent control ordinances with lower caps than AB 1482, and local rules win when they're stricter. Oakland, Berkeley, and Richmond are common examples—their local caps are typically well below the statewide AB 1482 number. Always check your specific city's rent control ordinance before assuming the statewide cap applies.
Notice Requirements
Under California Civil Code §827, the notice period depends on the size of the increase:
- 30 days' written notice for an increase of 10% or less within any 12-month period
- 90 days' written notice for any increase over 10% within any 12-month period
When multiple tenants are named on one lease, a single written notice addressed to all of them is sufficient—you don't need each tenant to individually sign or consent, as long as the notice period and cap are satisfied. Keep proof of service for your records.
How Many Times Can You Raise Rent Per Year?
AB 1482 limits covered units to no more than two rent increases within any 12-month period, and the combined total of those increases still can't exceed the cap.
Which Properties Are Exempt?
Not every rental in California is subject to AB 1482. Common exemptions include:
- Housing built within the last 15 years (a rolling exemption—this date moves forward each year)
- Single-family homes and condos, if owned by an individual (not a corporation or REIT) and proper notice of the exemption was given to the tenant
- Certain deed-restricted affordable housing
- Units already covered by a local rent control ordinance that is at least as protective
If you're unsure whether a specific property qualifies for an exemption, this is worth confirming with a local landlord-tenant attorney—misclassifying a covered unit as exempt is one of the most common (and costly) mistakes small landlords make.
Does AB 1482 Expire?
AB 1482 is currently scheduled to sunset on January 1, 2030, unless extended by the Legislature. It does not expire in 2026—the caps and just-cause eviction protections remain fully in effect for the foreseeable term.
Bottom Line for Small Landlords
- Confirm whether each of your units is covered, exempt, or subject to a stricter local ordinance.
- Use the current regional cap—these percentages reset every August 1, so don't rely on last year's number.
- Match your notice period to the increase size: 30 days for ≤10%, 90 days for >10%.
- Track your increase history per unit so you don't unintentionally stack increases beyond the 12-month cap.
Track rent changes before they become a problem
LeaseConnectPro keeps property records, tenant details, rent history, and important deadlines organized so you can manage increases with confidence.
Download Free →This article is for general informational purposes and isn't legal advice. For guidance on your specific properties, consult a California landlord-tenant attorney.