1. What is AB 1482 Rent Increase?

The California Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) limits annual rent increases to the lesser of 5% plus the percentage change in the cost of living (CPI) or 10%, whichever is lower. This applies to most rental properties in California built more than 15 years ago.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the AB 1482 formula:

Where:

• \( CPI \) — Consumer Price Index percentage change (regional)
• \( Current\ Rent \) — The current monthly rent amount

Explanation: The law caps rent increases at either CPI+5% or 10%, whichever is lower, to protect tenants from excessive rent hikes while allowing reasonable increases for landlords.

3. Importance of Rent Control

Details: AB 1482 helps maintain housing stability by preventing sudden, large rent increases that could displace tenants while allowing landlords to adjust rents for inflation and maintenance costs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the regional CPI percentage (available from government sources) and your current monthly rent. The calculator will show the maximum allowable increase under AB 1482.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does AB 1482 apply to all rental properties?
A: No, exemptions include properties built in the last 15 years, single-family homes (unless owned by corporations), and duplexes where the owner occupies one unit.

Q2: How often can rent be increased under AB 1482?
A: Landlords can only increase rent once every 12 months under these limits.

Q3: Which CPI index should I use?
A: Use the regional CPI for your area (e.g., Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim for Southern California).

Q4: Can local rent control laws be stricter?
A: Yes, cities with existing rent control (like San Francisco) maintain their stricter limits - AB 1482 sets a statewide baseline.

Q5: What about capital improvements?
A: AB 1482 doesn't prohibit additional increases for substantial capital improvements, but these require proper documentation and may have additional limitations.