How much can I raise rent on a covered rental?

No more than 5% plus the regional CPI change or 10%, whichever is lower, over any 12 months. Use the lowest rent in the prior 12 months, with no more than two increases in 12 months.

How much written notice do I need to give?

At least 30 days for an increase of 10% or less; at least 90 days for more than 10%. Count all increases in the 12 months before new rent starts. California mailing adds five calendar days. Notice does not override the cap.

Is newer housing exempt?

Housing first given a certificate of occupancy within the last 15 years is exempt on a rolling basis. Other exemptions may require written notice to tenants. Local rules can still apply and may be stricter.

THE CALIFORNIA OWNER GUIDE

Raising the Rent in California: The AB 1482 Cap and Notice Periods

Start with your property. Then check the limit and the notice. A practical guide to the details that matter before new rent begins.

Updated November 1, 2026For rental property owners

An owner and a property manager reviewing a lease at a table — Good decisions begin with a clear conversation.Illustrative photography

01 / CHECK COVERAGE

First, know which rules apply.

The AB 1482 cap below applies to rentals covered by California’s Tenant Protection Act.

Check the property, not assumptions

Housing first given a certificate of occupancy within the last 15 years is exempt on a rolling basis. Other exemptions can depend on tenants receiving written notice.

Check local rules, too. City rent control can be stricter.

The disclosure tenants must already have

Covered owners must tell tenants in writing, in type no smaller than 12-point, about the state rent cap and just-cause rules.

For tenancies started or renewed on or after July 1, 2020, include it in the lease, an addendum, or a separate notice the tenant signs.

02 / UNDERSTAND THE CAP

FOR RENTALS COVERED BY AB 1482

5%+ regional CPI change

The covered-property cap over any 12 months

WHICHEVER IS LOWER

10%

No more than this cap over any 12 months

Measure from the lowest rent in the prior 12 months.

No more than two increases in 12 months. The combined increase must stay within the cap.

03 / GIVE NOTICE

A limit and a notice are different things.

For notice purposes, count every increase in the 12 months before the new rent starts.

Increase of 10% or less

30AT LEASTdays’ written notice

Mailed within California35 days

Increase of more than 10%

90AT LEASTdays’ written notice

Mailed within California95 days

Mailing within California adds five calendar days: 35 or 95 days in total.

The 90-day notice rule is not permission to exceed the AB 1482 cap on a covered rental. These are statutory notice periods, not two permitted increase options.

A property manager talking with an owner on the porch of a California home

YOU DON’T HAVE TO SORT IT OUT ALONE

Your rental. A clearer next step.

When RNB manages your rental, we check coverage, calculate the allowable increase, and prepare and deliver the notice with the right number of days.

Talk to us about your rental ↗ Illustrative photography; not RNB staff or clients.

A USEFUL NEXT STEP

Free: Before You Raise the Rent: A Checklist

Check these before a rent increase notice goes out.

Full name

Phone

For rental property owners. We will email you the link and a member of our team may call about your rental.

QUICK ANSWERS

Before you send the notice.

Have a question about your rental? Talk it through with our team.

(916) 435-2424

How much can I raise rent on a covered rental?: No more than 5% plus the regional CPI change or 10%, whichever is lower, over any 12 months. Use the lowest rent in the prior 12 months, with no more than two increases in 12 months.
How much written notice do I need to give?: At least 30 days for an increase of 10% or less; at least 90 days for more than 10%. Count all increases in the 12 months before new rent starts. California mailing adds five calendar days. Notice does not override the cap.
Is newer housing exempt?: Housing first given a certificate of occupancy within the last 15 years is exempt on a rolling basis. Other exemptions may require written notice to tenants. Local rules can still apply and may be stricter.

SOURCE LAW

Civ. Code 1947.12 ↗Rent cap & exemptions
Civ. Code 827 ↗Rent increase notices
Civ. Code 1946.2 ↗Just-cause rules
Code Civ. Proc. 1013 ↗Notice by mail

General information about California law, not legal advice. City rent control and local rules can change the answer.

Updated November 1, 2026. RNB Property Management, DRE license #01900856.