Rent Control Basics: Does Your City Have It and What Does It Cover?

California has two layers of rent protections: statewide AB 1482 (which limits rent increases to 5% + CPI for covered units) and local rent control ordinances in cities that have enacted stronger protections. Understanding which applies to your unit is essential.

Cities With Strong Local Ordinances

Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, and several other California cities have local rent control ordinances that are stricter than AB 1482. These ordinances typically limit annual rent increases to 3-5%, require just cause for eviction from the first day (not after 12 months), and have detailed relocation assistance requirements.

Local ordinances override AB 1482 where they provide stronger protection. If you live in a city with a local ordinance, that ordinance controls — not the state law. Many tenants don’t know which city they live in has an ordinance, or what its specific protections are. Knowing your local rules is the foundation of knowing your rights.

The California Tenant Defense System gives renters the exact tools, templates, and step-by-step guidance to fight illegal evictions, recover wrongfully withheld security deposits, and enforce habitability rights. Request your free evaluation here.