California Rent Control Law

AB 1482 Rent Increase Formula:

\[ \text{New Rent} = \text{Current Rent} \times (1 + \min(\text{CPI} + 5\%, 10\%)) \]

New Rent (USD):

Maximum Allowed Increase:

Increase Amount (USD):

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1. What is California's AB 1482 Rent Control?

The Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482) is a California law that limits annual rent increases to no more than 5% + local CPI (Consumer Price Index), with a maximum cap of 10%. This applies to most rental properties in California that are more than 15 years old.

2. How Does the Rent Increase Calculation Work?

The calculator uses the AB 1482 formula:

\[ \text{New Rent} = \text{Current Rent} \times (1 + \min(\text{CPI} + 5\%, 10\%)) \]

Where:

Current Rent — The tenant's current monthly rent amount
CPI — The percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for the region
5% — The fixed percentage that can be added to CPI
10% — The maximum allowed annual increase

Explanation: The law allows landlords to increase rent by either 5% plus the percentage change in CPI, or 10%, whichever is lower.

3. Importance of Rent Control

Details: AB 1482 helps protect tenants from excessive rent increases while allowing landlords reasonable annual adjustments. It also provides just cause eviction protections for tenants who have lived in a unit for 12 months or more.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your current monthly rent amount and the current CPI percentage for your area. The calculator will determine the maximum allowed rent increase under AB 1482.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: Where can I find the CPI for my area?
A: CPI data is available from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many local tenant organizations also publish the relevant CPI percentages.

Q3: Can local rent control laws be stricter?
A: Yes, cities with existing rent control laws that are more restrictive than AB 1482 maintain their local ordinances.

Q4: How often can rent be increased under AB 1482?
A: Rent can only be increased once every 12 months under the law.

Q5: What if my landlord tries to increase rent more than allowed?
A: Tenants can challenge unlawful increases through local rent boards or small claims court. Document all communications with your landlord.