San Diego · Rent increases

How much can my rent go up in San Diego?

Up to 8.2% a year for most older rentals.

On $2,000 that is $164 a month more, at most.

Why, and the exact law

From Aug 1, 2026 to Jul 31, 2027: 5% plus local inflation (3.2%), never more than 10%.

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. Ask the San Diego Housing CommissionFree counselors explain your options, by phone or in person.San Diego Housing Commission
  2. Get free legal helpIf your landlord won't fix it.LawHelpCA
  3. Find a lawyerReferral service of the State Bar.State Bar of California
Every rule here, word for word (2)

State law applies here too. Where both cover a rental, the stricter city rule usually wins; each rule below says so.

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Set to be repealed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

No other rule found

No San Diego local rent cap appears in the documents; the city's own tenant-protection notice points to the state cap (Cal. Civ. Code § 1947.12).

The law, word for word

“California law limits the amount your rent can be increased. See California Civil Code section 1947.12 for more information …”

San Diego Mun. Code § 98.0705 · docs.sandiego.gov · Retrieved Oct 1, 2026

Quote checked word for word

More about San Diego

Rental law by cityWhat's changing in San Diego

Information about the law, not legal advice.