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Español · Rental law by city · Where we cover

California · Rent increases

How much can my rent go up in California?

8.1% to 8.8% a year, by county.

Why, and the exact law
From the California Legislature, read Oct 1, 2026.
Show the law

“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 …”

Cal. Civ. Code § 1947.12 · leginfo.legislature.ca.gov · found word for word in the source

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Who can help

  1. Get free legal helpIf your landlord won't fix it.LawHelpCA
  2. Find a lawyerReferral service of the State Bar.State Bar of California
Every rule here, word for word (1)

This page covers state law only. Cities with their own rules have their own pages.

California lawDepends on the building

California Tenant Protection Act rent cap

Can my landlord raise my rent?

For most older rentals, yes: max 5% plus inflation (never over 10%).

The cap follows local inflation (April to April) and resets each August 1.

Depends on the year the building was built.

Who it covers

  • Not buildings less than 15 years old.
  • Not owner-occupied buildings with 2 units or fewer.
  • Covers: Residential real property generally, unless exempt.
  • Exemptions: Deed-restricted/subsidized affordable housing; dormitories; housing under stricter local rent control; CO issued within previous 15 years; certain separately alienable properties (single-family homes, condos) with non-corporate owners and written notice; owner-occupied duplexes.
In force since
Mar 15, 2019
Current version since
Apr 1, 2024
Set to be repealed
Jan 1, 2030
The law, word for word

“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 …”

Cal. Civ. Code § 1947.12 · leginfo.legislature.ca.gov · Retrieved Oct 1, 2026

Quote checked word for word

More about California

Rental law by cityWhat's changing in California

Information about the law, not legal advice.