California rent increase calculator
5% plus regional inflation, never more than 10% in 12 months. For increases from Aug 1, 2026: 8.1% to 8.8% depending on the county.
Not legal advice. This calculator applies the statewide formula only. Many cities have stricter rent control, and some units are exempt. Check the exemptions and local rules below and the official sources before you send a notice.
California: AB 1482 (Civil Code §1947.12)
| Region | Aug 1, 2025 – Jul 31, 2026 | Aug 1, 2026 – Jul 31, 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles or Orange County | 8% | 8.7% |
| Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco or San Mateo County | 6.3% | 8.8% |
| Riverside or San Bernardino County | 7.5% | 8.1% |
| San Diego County | 8.8% | 8.2% |
| Any other California county | 7.7% | 8.6% |
The rule
- Over any 12 months, rent may rise by at most 5% plus the percentage change in the cost of living, or 10%, whichever is lower (Civil Code §1947.12(a)(1)).
- The percentage is measured against the lowest gross rent charged in the 12 months before the increase; discounts and concessions do not lower that base.
- Cost of living = change in the CPI-U for the metro area (BLS) between April of the prior year and April of the current year; where April is not published, March to March. Counties outside the four metro areas use the California CPI from the Department of Industrial Relations. Rounded to the nearest 0.1% (§1947.12(g)).
- The new figure applies to increases taking effect on or after August 1 each year.
- At most two increases within 12 months for the same tenant (§1947.12(a)(2)). Rent for a new tenancy can be set freely (§1947.12(b)).
- Notice follows Civil Code §827 (30 days for increases up to 10%). The cap expires on January 1, 2030 unless extended (§1947.12(o)).
Who is exempt
- Housing with a certificate of occupancy issued within the last 15 years (rolling date; mobilehomes excepted).
- Single-family homes and condos owned by individuals (not a REIT, corporation or LLC with a corporate member) if the tenant received the statutory exemption notice; for tenancies since July 1, 2020 it must be in the lease.
- A duplex where the owner lives in the other unit since the start of the tenancy.
- Deed-restricted affordable housing, dormitories, and units already covered by a stricter local rent control ordinance.
Stricter local rules
- San Francisco (units built before June 13, 1979): 1.6% for March 1, 2026 – February 28, 2027. SF Rent Board
- Oakland (units built before 1983): 2.3% for August 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027. Oakland Rent Adjustment Program
- Berkeley: 1.0% Annual General Adjustment for 2026 (from January 1, 2026). Berkeley Rent Board
- City of Los Angeles RSO (most units built before October 1978): 3% for July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027; since February 2, 2026 the formula is 90% of CPI with a 1% floor and 4% ceiling. LA Housing Department
- Many other cities (for example West Hollywood, Santa Monica, San Jose, Pasadena, Richmond, unincorporated Los Angeles County) have their own rent stabilization. Check your city before using the statewide figure.
Sources: Civil Code §1947.12 (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov) · California Attorney General: rent caps by region · BLS regional CPI · DIR California CPI
States without a statewide cap
Only California, Oregon and Washington cap rent increases statewide for most market-rate housing. In other states, rent control is either banned by state law or set by individual cities (for example New York City rent stabilization, Washington D.C., or St. Paul, Minnesota). Check your city before assuming there is no limit.