What is AB 1482?
Assembly Bill 1482, also known as the Tenant Protection Act of 2019, established California's first statewide rent controland just-cause eviction protections. The law took effect January 1, 2020, and applies to most residential properties built more than 15 years ago throughout California.
Key Takeaway:
Even if your property is not in a local rent-controlled city, you are likely subject to AB 1482's statewide capsunless your property falls under specific exemptions.
Statewide Rent Cap: 5% + CPI (Maximum 10%)
AB 1482 limits annual rent increases to 5% plus the local Consumer Price Index (CPI), with a maximum total increase of 10% per year. This applies to any 12-month period, not just calendar years.
2026 Rent Increase Example:
- • Current Rent: $3,000/month
- • CPI for Bay Area (2025): 4.2%
- • Maximum Allowed Increase: 5% + 4.2% = 9.2%
- • New Maximum Rent: $3,000 × 1.092 = $3,276/month
- Note: If CPI were 6%, the cap would be 10% (5% + CPI capped at 10% total)
Properties Covered by AB 1482
Your Property IS Covered If:
- Built more than 15 years ago (as of January 2026, properties built before 2011)
- Residential rental property (houses, condos, apartments, townhouses)
- Not owner-occupied (with some exceptions)
Exempt Properties:
- Properties built within the last 15 years (new construction exemption)
- Single-family homes or condos NOT owned by corporations or LLCs (individual owners only)
- Duplexes where owner occupies one unit
- Affordable housing (income-restricted units)
- Dormitories, hospitals, religious facilities
Just-Cause Eviction Requirements
After a tenant has lived in your property for 12 months (or 12 months total if multiple tenants during that period), you can only terminate the tenancy for specific "just causes" outlined in the law.
At-Fault Just Causes (Tenant's Fault)
Non-payment of rent
Breach of material lease term
Nuisance or illegal activity
Damage to property
Refusal to execute new lease with same terms
Criminal activity on premises
Refusal to allow lawful property access
No-Fault Just Causes (Relocation Assistance Required)
⚠️ Important: You must pay relocation assistance!
For no-fault evictions, landlords must pay tenants one month's rent as relocation assistance, or waive the last month's rent.
Owner or immediate family member moving in
Must actually occupy for at least 12 months
Withdrawal from rental market (going off market)
Ellis Act procedures apply
Complying with government order to vacate
Health/safety violations requiring repairs
Intent to demolish or substantially remodel
Permits required, cannot be cosmetic upgrades
Silicon Valley Local Rent Control
Several cities in Silicon Valley have additional local rent control ordinances that are often more restrictive than AB 1482. If local law is stricter, local law applies.
San Jose Apartment Rent Ordinance
- • Applies to apartments built before 9/7/1979 with 3+ units
- • Maximum 5% annual rent increase
- • Additional just-cause eviction requirements
- • Must register with Rent Stabilization Program
Mountain View Rental Housing Committee
- • Covers properties built before 2/1/1995
- • Complex petition process for above-guideline increases
- • Annual registration required
- • Banking of unused increases allowed
Other Cities with Local Controls
East Palo Alto, Los Altos, and unincorporated Santa Clara County also have local rent control ordinances.
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