Annual rent increase limits vary by location. While California has a statewide rent increase limit, some incorporated cities and parts of Los Angeles County have their own local limits.
Under California’s Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482), annual rent increases for most residential rental units are limited to 5% plus the percentage change in the local cost of living, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The CPI measures changes in the cost of everyday goods and services. The law caps rent increases at either 5% + CPI or a total of 10%, whichever is lower.
For the Los Angeles metropolitan area, this year’s CPI is 3.7%. This means beginning August 1, 2026, annual rent increases in most areas of the are capped at 8.7% (5% + 3.7% CPI). However, some areas have stronger rent control laws. In unincorporated Los Angeles County (areas outside the county’s 88 incorporated cities) and in some incorporated cities, including the City of Los Angeles, stronger local rent control laws take priority over the statewide limit and may further restrict how much rent can increase.
VERIFY YOUR JURISDICTION:
To find out whether your property is in an incorporated city or unincorporated Los Angeles County, visit the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk website and select “District Map Look Up By Address.” Enter your rental property address to see whether the property is in unincorporated Los Angeles County or an incorporated city.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT RENT INCREASE LIMITS:
Statewide (AB 1482):
- Most CA residential tenants are covered under Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB1482).
- State caps annual rent increases at no more than 8.7% (5% +3.7% CPI) or 10%, whichever is lower
- Local rent control laws may set stricter limits on how much a landlord can increase rent annually.
- Landlords must first give 30 days written notice to tenants before increasing rent.
Questions? Visit the California State Attorney General’s website or contact Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE) Tenant Hotline at 888-428-7615.
Unincorporated LA County:
- The Rent Stabilization and Tenant Protections Ordinance (RSTPO) and Mobilehome Rent Stabilization and Mobilehome Owner Protection Ordinance (MRSMOPO) cover most residential rental units and mobilehome spaces in unincorporated LA County.
- Maximum allowable rent increase for most fully-covered rental units is 1.919% through June 30, 2027* Exceptions apply for Small Property Landlords and luxury units.
- Mobilehome spaces covered by MRSMOPO are limited to an annual rent increase of 3% through June 30, 2027.
- Landlords must give at least 30 days’ written notice before raising rent. Additional landlord requirements may apply before rent can be increased.
Questions? Make a telephone or in-person appointment to speak with DCBA Counselor or email rent@dcba.lacounty.gov.
Incorporated Cities:
- Multi-unit rentals in the City of Los Angeles follow the city’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO).
- The City of Los Angeles RSO limits annual rent increases to 3% from June 1, 2025-July 30, 2027.
- Other cities, like Santa Monica and West Hollywood, have their own local rules.
- Landlords must provide 30 days’ written notice before increasing rent.
Questions?: Contact your local city’s Housing Department to see what local rent control restrictions apply to where you live.
For additional information, read the Guide to Residential Tenants’ and Landlords Rights and Responsibilities. Mobilehome park residents and owners can refer to the Mobilehome Residency Law Handbook.
