How much notice is required to raise the rent in California?
California requires 30 days' written notice for a rent increase of 10% or less over any 12-month window, and 90 days' notice for anything larger — plus five extra days when the notice is mailed.
Separately, the statewide Tenant Protection Act caps annual increases on covered units at 5% plus local CPI or 10%, whichever is lower, with at most two increases per year. Many single-family homes and newer buildings are exempt from the cap (but never from the notice rules), and cities with stricter local rent control keep their own limits.
California rent increase notice at a glance
| Notice — month-to-month | 30 days |
|---|---|
| Varies by increase size | 30 days' written notice if the increase, combined with all increases in the prior 12 months, totals 10% or less; 90 days' written notice if the cumulative 12-month increase exceeds 10%. Add 5 calendar days if served by mail (CCP § 1013). |
| Fixed-term leases | Rent may not be increased during a fixed term unless the lease provides for it; §827 notice mechanics govern month-to-month changes. |
| Statewide rent control / stabilization | Yes |
| Rent control details | Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482, Civ. Code § 1947.12): annual increases on covered units capped at the lesser of 5% + regional CPI or 10%, measured against the lowest rent in the prior 12 months, max two increases per 12 months, in effect through 2030. Exempt: housing with certificate of occupancy within 15 years (rolling), most single-family homes/condos not owned by corporations or REITs (exemption requires statutory written disclosure to the tenant), owner-occupied duplexes. Stricter local rent-control ordinances control where they exist. |
| Local rent control preempted | No |
| Frequency limits | No more than two increases in any 12-month period on AB 1482-covered units. |
Notes and caveats
Common questions: California rent increase notice
Each answer is the verified value from the table above, restated as a direct answer. Free to quote with a link to this page.
- How many days' notice must a landlord give before raising rent in California?
- 30 days. 30 days' written notice if the increase, combined with all increases in the prior 12 months, totals 10% or less; 90 days' written notice if the cumulative 12-month increase exceeds 10%. Add 5 calendar days if served by mail (CCP § 1013).
- Does California have rent control?
- Yes — California has statewide rent control or stabilization. Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482, Civ. Code § 1947.12): annual increases on covered units capped at the lesser of 5% + regional CPI or 10%, measured against the lowest rent in the prior 12 months, max two increases per 12 months, in effect through 2030. Exempt: housing with certificate of occupancy within 15 years (rolling), most single-family homes/condos not owned by corporations or REITs (exemption requires statutory written disclosure to the tenant), owner-occupied duplexes. Stricter local rent-control ordinances control where they exist.
- Does California preempt local rent control ordinances?
- No — California does not preempt local rent control ordinances.
- Can a landlord raise the rent during a fixed-term lease in California?
- Rent may not be increased during a fixed term unless the lease provides for it; §827 notice mechanics govern month-to-month changes.
- How often can a landlord raise the rent in California?
- No more than two increases in any 12-month period on AB 1482-covered units.
Statute citations
- Cal. Civ. Code § 827 (b) Official source
- Cal. Civ. Code § 1947.12 (AB 1482) Official source
How this record was verified: Web verification against leginfo.legislature.ca.gov (Civ. Code 1950.5, 827; AB 12 bill text) with corroborating county/city government sources (SF.gov, LA County DCBA, San Mateo County) for AB 1482 and Civ. Code 1954 operation.