California Rent Increase Notice Calculator

California rent increase rules at a glance

California has two layered rules. First, Cal. Civ. Code § 827 sets the notice period: at least 30 days written notice for rent increases of 10 percent or less, and at least 90 days notice for increases above 10 percent. Second, AB 1482 (Cal. Civ. Code § 1947.12) caps the annual increase at the lower of 5 percent plus local CPI or 10 percent, for properties subject to the law.

Who AB 1482 applies to

AB 1482 applies broadly to multifamily housing in California, with several important exemptions. Excluded: housing built within the last 15 years (rolling); single-family homes and condominiums owned by individuals (not corporations or LLCs with corporate members) where notice of exemption is properly given; duplexes where the owner lives in one unit; subsidized affordable housing. If the property is not exempt, the AB 1482 cap applies on top of any local rent-control ordinance.

How the 30/90 day notice rule works

Under § 827, the default is 30 days written notice for a month-to-month rent increase. If the cumulative annual increase exceeds 10 percent, the notice period extends to 90 days. Notice can be served personally, by first-class mail (with a 5-day extension for mailing time), or per the lease's specified method.

Local rent-control ordinances

San Francisco, Los Angeles, Berkeley, Oakland, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, and several other California cities have stricter local rent-control ordinances. These typically cap annual increases at lower percentages (often 60 percent of local CPI) and require additional registration, notice, or just-cause for eviction. AB 1482 sets a statewide floor; local ordinances can be stricter, not looser.

How to use this calculator

Enter current and proposed rent and the intended effective date. The calculator returns the California-required notice period, the earliest legal effective date, the increase as a percentage, and a flag if the increase exceeds AB 1482's 10 percent statewide cap.

Frequently asked questions about California rent increases

How much notice must a California landlord give to raise rent?

At least 30 days written notice for a rent increase of 10 percent or less. At least 90 days notice for an increase above 10 percent (cumulative over the prior 12 months). Cal. Civ. Code § 827.

How much can a landlord raise rent in California?

For properties subject to AB 1482, the maximum annual increase is the lower of 5 percent plus local CPI or 10 percent. Local rent-control ordinances in cities like LA and SF can cap increases lower. Properties exempt from AB 1482 face no statewide cap but must follow the 30/90-day notice rules.

Is my property exempt from AB 1482?

Common exemptions: housing built within the last 15 years, single-family homes/condos owned by individuals (not corporations or corporate LLCs) where exemption notice is properly given, duplexes where the owner lives in one unit, and certain affordable housing programs. Properly noticing the exemption in the lease is required.

Can a California landlord raise rent during a fixed-term lease?

Generally no. A 12-month or longer fixed-term lease locks in the rent for the term. Rent increases apply at renewal or on month-to-month tenancies after the fixed term ends. Local ordinances may add restrictions.

How is the AB 1482 cap calculated?

5 percent plus the local Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the region (San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles-Long Beach, Riverside-San Bernardino, San Diego, or "All Urban Consumers" for areas without a metropolitan CPI), with a hard ceiling of 10 percent regardless of CPI. The 12-month measurement period runs April 1 of the prior year to April 1 of the current year.