Landlord raised rent 12% - is this legal under AB 1482?

My landlord just sent a notice they're raising my rent from $2,200 to $2,464 starting February 1st. That's a 12% increase!

I thought California had rent control now with AB 1482? The Tenant Protection Act or whatever it's called. Isn't there supposed to be a cap at 5% + inflation?

Some details:

• I'm in Los Angeles (unincorporated area)
• Building was built in 1985
• I've been here 3 years
• It's an 8-unit apartment complex

Is this legal? What can I do?

Yes, respond in writing. Here's what to include:

1. Cite AB 1482 (Civil Code Section 1947.12)
2. State the maximum allowable increase calculation
3. Note you never received an exemption notice
4. Request they correct the notice to comply with the law

Keep it professional. Something like: "I received your rent increase notice dated [date]. Under California Civil Code Section 1947.12 (AB 1482), rent increases are capped at 5% plus CPI or 10%, whichever is lower. Based on current LA County CPI of 4.1%, the maximum allowable increase is 9.1%, which would be $[amount]. Please provide a corrected notice."

Send via certified mail and keep a copy.

Good outcome! For others reading this later: if your landlord refuses to correct an illegal rent increase, you have options:

• Contact local housing authority or tenant rights organization
• File complaint with CA Attorney General
• You can pay the legal amount and dispute the excess
• Small claims court for recovery of overpaid rent

Document everything. Keep all notices and your response letters.

Common AB 1482 questions we get at our tenant rights clinic:

Q: How do I calculate the maximum increase?

A: It's 5% + local CPI (Consumer Price Index) for the metro area, capped at 10% total. For 2026 in the Bay Area, CPI is around 3.5%, so the max increase is approximately 8.5%.

Q: What if my landlord claims my unit is exempt?

A: They must provide written notice of the exemption. Common exemptions: single-family homes (not owned by a corporation or REIT), buildings built within the last 15 years, owner-occupied duplexes. Condos owned by natural persons are also exempt.

Q: What if my landlord already raised rent above the cap?

A: The excess amount is void. You can demand a rollback. If they refuse, file a complaint with your city's rent stabilization board or consult a tenant attorney. Many work these cases on contingency or pro bono.