California Landlord Guide
30-Day Rent Increase Notice in California
When to use 30 days vs. 90 days, what the notice must include, and what voids it.
Quick Answer
California requires 30 days’ written notice for rent increases under 10% and 90 days’ notice for increases of 10% or more (Civil Code § 827). Under AB 1482, increases above the cap (5% + CPI, max 10%) are void regardless of how much notice you give. Insufficient notice = void increase.
30-Day vs. 90-Day Notice: Which Do You Need?
| Increase Amount | Required Notice | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Under 10% of the lowest rent in prior 12 months | 30 days | Civil Code § 827(b)(2) |
| 10% or more of the lowest rent in prior 12 months | 90 days | Civil Code § 827(b)(3) |
| Any increase in a local rent-controlled city | Check local ordinance | Varies by city |
Example: If the lowest rent in the past 12 months was $2,000, a 10% threshold is $200. An increase to $2,199 requires 30 days’ notice. An increase to $2,200 or more requires 90 days.
What the Notice Must Include
- Tenant’s full name and property address
- Current rent amount and new rent amount
- Effective date of the increase (at least 30 or 90 days from service date)
- AB 1482 disclosure if the property is covered — required even if the increase is within the cap
- Your signature and the date
Sample Notice Format
NOTICE OF RENT INCREASE
To: [Tenant Name(s)]
Property: [Full Address, Unit #]
This notice informs you that effective [Date — at least 30/90 days from today], your monthly rent will increase from $[Current] to $[New Amount].
[If AB 1482 applies:] This property is subject to the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482). The maximum allowable rent increase is 5% plus the change in CPI, or 10%, whichever is lower.
Landlord Signature: _________________ Date: _________
For informational purposes only. Consult a local attorney to ensure compliance with your specific jurisdiction.
How to Serve the Notice
California law (Civil Code § 1946.2, CCP § 1162) accepts these service methods:
- Personal delivery — hand it directly to the tenant (strongest method)
- Substituted service — leave with a person of suitable age at the property + mail a copy
- Post and mail — post on the door + mail a copy (adds 5 days to the notice period for mailing time)
Important: Text messages, emails, and voicemails are not valid service for rent increase notices in California.
Common Mistakes That Void the Notice
- Wrong notice period — giving 30 days for a 10%+ increase voids the increase
- Oral notice only — the notice must be in writing
- Missing AB 1482 disclosure — required for covered properties even if the increase is within the cap
- Exceeding the cap — any amount above the AB 1482 maximum is void automatically
- Wrong effective date — the increase can only take effect on the rent due date, not mid-month
- Retaliatory timing — increasing rent within 180 days of a tenant complaint creates a presumption of retaliation (CC § 1942.5)
Local Rent Control: Additional Requirements
Cities with local rent control may require longer notice periods or rent board approval:
- San Francisco — rent board sets annual allowable increase (currently 1.7% for 2026)
- Berkeley — 1.0% AGA for 2026, must be registered with rent board before taking increase
- Los Angeles (RSO) — 4% annual increase for RSO units in 2026
- Oakland — CPI-based cap, banking of unused increases allowed
- Santa Monica — 0.5% to 3% depending on CPI, rent board approval required
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