📋 Overview

You've received a rent increase notice from your landlord. California has some of the strongest rent control protections in the nation, including the statewide AB 1482 rent cap and numerous local ordinances. This guide will help you determine if the increase is legal and how to respond.

Good News: You Have Protections

Most California renters are protected by AB 1482, which limits rent increases to 5% + local CPI (max 10%) per year.

Check Your Coverage

Some properties are exempt from rent caps (new construction, single-family homes with proper notice, etc.). Verify your protection status.

Local Laws May Apply

Cities like SF, LA, Oakland, and Berkeley have rent control with even stricter limits. Check your local ordinance.

Key Rent Increase Rules

  • 30-day notice - Required for increases of 10% or less within 12 months
  • 90-day notice - Required for increases over 10% within 12 months
  • AB 1482 cap - 5% + local CPI, maximum 10% per year for covered properties
  • Once per year - Rent can only be increased once every 12 months under AB 1482
  • No mid-lease increases - Fixed-term leases protect you until the lease ends
$450
Rent Increase Analysis & Response

Verify if the increase is legal, calculate the maximum allowed, and prepare a formal response.

Schedule Review

🔍 Evaluate the Notice

Carefully review the rent increase notice. Many increases are improper due to insufficient notice, excessive amounts, or landlord not understanding exemptions.

Is Your Property Covered by AB 1482?

Property Type AB 1482 Rent Cap Applies? Notes
Apartments built before 2005 YES - PROTECTED Standard AB 1482 coverage
Condos/townhomes (not owner-occupied) YES - PROTECTED Unless exemption notice given
Single-family home (corporate owner) YES - PROTECTED REITs, LLCs, corporations covered
Single-family home (individual owner) MAY BE EXEMPT Only if proper exemption notice given
Buildings built after 2005 EXEMPT 15 YEARS Exempt for first 15 years
Owner-occupied duplex EXEMPT Owner must live in other unit

📄 Notice Requirements

  • ✓ 30 days notice (increase 10% or less)
  • ✓ 90 days notice (increase over 10%)
  • ✓ Written notice properly served
  • ✓ 12 months since last increase

💲 Calculate Maximum

  • ✓ Find your local CPI (varies by region)
  • ✓ Add 5% to CPI (AB 1482 formula)
  • ✓ Cap at 10% maximum
  • ✓ Compare to proposed increase

2024 AB 1482 Rent Cap Calculation

The 2024 maximum rent increase under AB 1482 is 5% + local CPI, with a maximum of 10%. CPI varies by region (typically 3-5% in 2024), so most areas allow increases of 8-10%. Check your specific regional CPI at the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.

🛡 Your Rights

California tenants have significant rights when it comes to rent increases. Here's what you can challenge.

Excessive Increase (Above Cap)

If covered by AB 1482 or local rent control, any increase above the legal maximum is void. You only need to pay the legally allowed amount, and any excess already paid can be recovered.

When to use: The proposed increase exceeds 5% + CPI (max 10%) under AB 1482 or exceeds local rent control limits.

Insufficient Notice

Under Civil Code 827, landlords must provide 30 days written notice for increases of 10% or less, and 90 days for increases over 10%. The increase cannot take effect until proper notice is given.

When to use: You received less than 30/90 days notice before the increase effective date.

Increase Within 12 Months

AB 1482 allows only one rent increase per 12-month period. If your rent was increased within the past year, another increase may be prohibited.

When to use: Your rent was already increased within the past 12 months.

Mid-Lease Increase

If you have a fixed-term lease (not month-to-month), the landlord generally cannot increase rent until the lease expires, unless the lease specifically allows mid-term increases.

When to use: You have a current lease that doesn't expire until after the increase date.

Improper Exemption Claim

Landlords of single-family homes must provide specific written notice of AB 1482 exemption before the tenancy begins. If no proper exemption notice was given, the property is likely covered.

When to use: Landlord claims exemption but never provided written exemption notice as required.

Local Rent Control May Provide More Protection

Cities with rent control (San Francisco, Los Angeles, Oakland, Berkeley, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, and others) often have stricter limits than AB 1482. Some allow only CPI adjustments (2-4%) or require rent board approval. Check your city's specific ordinance.

⚖ Response Options

Based on your situation, choose the best response strategy.

Challenge Illegal Increase

If the increase exceeds legal limits, send a formal response explaining why it's invalid and stating you will pay only the legal maximum.

  • Assert your rights formally
  • Document your position
  • Often resolves the issue

Request Documentation

Ask the landlord to provide documentation supporting the increase amount and their basis for claiming any exemption from rent caps.

  • Buys time to research
  • Tests landlord's compliance
  • Creates paper trail

File Rent Board Complaint

If you're in a rent-controlled city, file a petition with the local rent board challenging the increase. Many cities have free hearing processes.

  • Free or low-cost process
  • Binding determination
  • Can get rent rollback

Negotiate

Even if the increase is technically legal, you may be able to negotiate a smaller increase by being a good tenant and discussing your situation.

  • Maintains relationship
  • May reduce increase
  • Could get lease renewal

Calculate Your Maximum Legal Increase

Example: $2,000 current rent, 4% local CPI

Current monthly rent $2,000
Local CPI (example) 4%
AB 1482 formula (5% + CPI) 9%
Maximum dollar increase $180
MAXIMUM NEW RENT $2,180

You Can Refuse to Pay Excess

If a rent increase exceeds legal limits, you can lawfully refuse to pay the excess amount. Continue paying your current rent (or legally increased rent) and respond in writing that you are refusing the illegal increase. The landlord cannot evict you for refusing to pay an illegal rent amount.

📝 Sample Responses

Copy and customize these response templates for your situation.

Challenge Excessive Increase (AB 1482)
Dear [LANDLORD NAME], I received your rent increase notice dated [DATE] proposing to raise my rent from $[CURRENT] to $[PROPOSED], an increase of [X]%. My unit at [ADDRESS] is covered by the California Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482), which limits annual rent increases to 5% plus the local Consumer Price Index, with a maximum of 10%. The current CPI for our region is approximately [X]%, making the maximum allowable increase [X]%. Your proposed increase of [X]% exceeds this legal maximum. Under Civil Code Section 1947.12, I am only obligated to pay the legally permitted rent increase. Effective [DATE], I will pay $[LEGAL MAXIMUM RENT], which reflects the maximum legal increase. Please confirm receipt of this letter and adjust your records accordingly.
Challenge Insufficient Notice
Dear [LANDLORD NAME], I received your rent increase notice dated [DATE] with an effective date of [DATE]. This provides only [X] days notice. Under California Civil Code Section 827, a rent increase of [more than 10% / 10% or less] requires [90 / 30] days written notice before it can take effect. Your notice does not meet this legal requirement. Accordingly, the proposed rent increase is not effective on the date stated. I will continue paying my current rent of $[AMOUNT] until proper notice is provided. If you intend to proceed with this increase, please provide a new notice that complies with the statutory notice period.
Challenge Improper Exemption Claim
Dear [LANDLORD NAME], I received your rent increase notice claiming the property is exempt from AB 1482 rent caps. I respectfully dispute this claim. Under Civil Code Section 1947.12(d)(5), a single-family residence is only exempt from rent caps if the owner provided written notice of the exemption before or at the commencement of the tenancy. This notice must include specific statutory language. I have reviewed my records and have not received such notice. [Additionally, records indicate the property is owned by an LLC/corporation, which cannot claim this exemption.] Absent proper exemption, the property is subject to AB 1482's rent cap of 5% plus local CPI (max 10%). Your proposed increase of [X]% exceeds this limit. I will pay only the legally permitted maximum increase. Please provide documentation of any exemption notice provided at the start of my tenancy.
Negotiation Request
Dear [LANDLORD NAME], I received your rent increase notice dated [DATE]. While I understand costs increase over time, I am hoping we can discuss this increase. I have been a reliable tenant at [ADDRESS] for [X] years. During this time, I have [paid rent on time / maintained the property well / been a quiet neighbor / other positive attributes]. The proposed increase of $[AMOUNT] per month represents a significant impact on my budget. I would like to propose [a smaller increase of $X / a phased increase over 6 months / a longer lease term at the current rate]. I value living here and hope we can reach a mutually agreeable solution. I am available to discuss this at your convenience.

🚀 Next Steps

What to do after receiving a rent increase notice.

Step 1: Determine Coverage

Research if your property is covered by AB 1482 or local rent control. Check building age, ownership type, and exemption notices.

Step 2: Calculate Maximum

Find your regional CPI and calculate the maximum legal increase (5% + CPI, max 10% for AB 1482).

Step 3: Respond in Writing

Send a written response to the landlord within 30 days. Keep a copy for your records.

Step 4: Pay Legal Amount

If the increase is excessive, pay only the legally permitted amount and document your payments.

If Landlord Disagrees

  • Request documentation - Ask for proof of exemption, CPI calculation, or building records
  • File with rent board - In rent-controlled cities, petition for a hearing
  • Consult an attorney - For complex situations or if landlord threatens eviction
  • Contact tenant organization - Local groups can provide free advice and support

If Landlord Tries to Evict

  • Refusing to pay illegal rent is not grounds for eviction
  • Keep paying the legal rent amount - Document all payments
  • Assert your defenses - Retaliatory eviction is prohibited
  • Seek legal help immediately - Eviction defenses have strict deadlines

Know Your Rights

Rent increase disputes can be complex, especially when exemptions are claimed. Get professional help to protect your housing.

Schedule Consultation - $450

California Resources

  • AB 1482 Text: Civil Code Sections 1946.2 and 1947.12
  • CA HCD: hcd.ca.gov/tenantprotection - State housing department AB 1482 information
  • Local Rent Boards: SF (sfrb.org), LA (hcidla.lacity.org), Oakland (oaklandca.gov/RAP)
  • CPI Data: bls.gov - Bureau of Labor Statistics regional CPI