Last updated: August 4, 2026
AB 1482 FAQ: 25 Answers for CA Landlords (2026)
AB 1482 caps annual rent increases at 5% plus local CPI (max 10%) and requires just cause for eviction after 12 months. Extended through January 1, 2035. Here are the 25 most common questions California landlords ask.
AB 1482 Basics
What is AB 1482?
AB 1482 is California’s Tenant Protection Act of 2019. It caps annual rent increases at 5% plus local CPI (with a maximum of 10% total) and requires landlords to have just cause before evicting a tenant who has occupied the unit for 12 months or more. The law applies to most residential rental properties in California that are at least 15 years old.
When did AB 1482 take effect?
AB 1482 took effect on January 1, 2020. It applied retroactively to rent increases on or after March 15, 2019, meaning landlords who raised rent above the cap between March 15, 2019 and January 1, 2020 were required to roll back those increases.
When does AB 1482 expire?
AB 1482 was originally set to sunset on January 1, 2030. However, AB 12 and AB 1157 (signed in 2024) extended it through January 1, 2035. Many local rent control ordinances have no expiration date and will continue regardless of AB 1482’s sunset. Legislative proposals to make the statewide cap permanent are expected before 2035.
What properties does AB 1482 apply to?
AB 1482 applies to most residential rental properties in California that received a certificate of occupancy at least 15 years ago. This includes apartments, condos, townhomes, and single-family homes (unless a specific exemption applies). The 15-year window is rolling, so for 2026, properties built before 2011 are covered. See the exemptions guide for the full list of exclusions.
Does AB 1482 apply to commercial properties?
No. AB 1482 applies exclusively to residential rental properties. Commercial, industrial, and mixed-use spaces (for the commercial portion) are not covered. If a property has both residential and commercial units, only the residential units are subject to the rent cap and just cause requirements.
Rent Cap Rates
What is the maximum rent increase allowed in 2026?
The maximum is 5% plus local CPI, capped at 10%. For the August 2026 – July 2027 period, the regional caps are: Los Angeles/Orange County 8.7%, San Diego 8.2%, Sacramento 7.6%, and San Francisco 6.3%. Use the AB 1482 calculator to get the exact cap for your region.
How is CPI calculated for AB 1482?
The CPI used is the April-to-April percentage change in the Consumer Price Index for the metropolitan area where the property is located. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) publishes this data, typically in May. If the property is not in a designated metro area, the California statewide CPI-W applies.
When do new AB 1482 rates take effect each year?
New CPI-based rates take effect on August 1 of each year. The BLS publishes April CPI data in May, and the new cap applies to rent increases with effective dates on or after August 1. If you issue a rent increase notice with an effective date before August 1, the prior year’s CPI applies.
Can I raise rent more than once per year?
No. AB 1482 limits landlords to one rent increase per 12-month period. Even if the total of two smaller increases would fall below the cap, issuing more than one increase within 12 months violates the law. The 12-month clock starts from the effective date of the previous increase.
Does the rent cap apply to vacant units?
No. AB 1482 allows vacancy decontrol — when a tenant voluntarily vacates, you may set any rent amount for the next tenant. The cap only restricts increases during an existing tenancy. However, some local ordinances (such as those in Los Angeles and San Francisco) may impose vacancy control or limit how much you can raise rent between tenancies.
What if my city has a stricter rent cap than AB 1482?
The stricter rule always applies. If your city imposes a lower cap than AB 1482, you must follow the local ordinance. Currently, 33 California cities have local rent caps below AB 1482 — Oakland (0.8%), Berkeley (1.0%), San Francisco (1.7%), and Los Angeles (3.0%) among them. See our AB 1482 vs local rent control comparison to check your city.
Exemptions
Is my single-family home exempt from AB 1482?
Only if two conditions are met: (1) the owner is not a corporation, REIT, or LLC with a corporate member, and (2) the owner provided the tenant with a written exemption notice using the specific statutory language from Civil Code §1946.2(e). Both conditions are required — if you did not give the notice, the exemption does not apply even if the property would otherwise qualify.
Is new construction exempt from AB 1482?
Yes. Properties with a certificate of occupancy issued within the last 15 years are exempt. This is a rolling window — for 2026, properties built after 2011 qualify. As of 2027, properties built after 2012 will qualify. Once a property passes the 15-year mark, it becomes subject to AB 1482 automatically.
Is my duplex exempt from AB 1482?
Only if the owner occupies one of the two units as their primary residence for the entire tenancy. Non-owner-occupied duplexes are fully subject to AB 1482 rent caps and just cause requirements. The owner must also provide proper written notice of the exemption to the tenant.
What happens if I did not give the exemption notice?
You lose the exemption retroactively. Even if your property would otherwise qualify as exempt, the failure to provide written notice means AB 1482 applies from the start of the tenancy. Any rent increases above the cap during that period are subject to rollback, and the tenant may recover excess rent plus attorney fees.
What language is required in the exemption notice?
The notice must use the specific statutory language from Civil Code §1946.2(e). A generic statement that the property is exempt is not sufficient. The notice must be provided in writing to the tenant, and it should be included in or attached to the lease agreement. See our AB 1482 notice templates for the exact required language.
Just Cause Eviction
Can I end a month-to-month tenancy without cause?
Not after 12 months. Once a tenant has occupied the unit for 12 months or more (or any occupant has lived there for 24 months), AB 1482 requires just cause for eviction. You cannot issue a no-cause termination notice to end a month-to-month tenancy for a long-term tenant. Read the full just cause eviction guide for details.
What are the legal reasons for eviction under AB 1482?
AB 1482 provides 10 legal grounds for eviction: 6 at-fault (nonpayment of rent, lease violations, nuisance, criminal activity, refusal to allow access, refusal to sign a renewal) and 4 no-fault (owner move-in, property withdrawal from rental market, substantial remodel, government order). No-fault evictions require relocation assistance equal to one month’s rent.
How much relocation assistance is required?
For no-fault evictions, you must provide relocation assistance equal to one month’s rent. This must be paid or waived (as a rent credit for the final month) within 15 days of serving the eviction notice. Alternatively, you can waive the tenant’s last month of rent. Failure to provide relocation assistance renders the eviction notice invalid.
Can I evict for owner move-in under AB 1482?
Yes, but you must actually occupy the unit for at least 12 months after the tenant vacates. Relocation assistance (one month’s rent) is required. If you re-rent the unit before the 12-month period, you must offer the displaced tenant the right of first refusal at the original rent. Fraudulent owner move-in evictions carry penalties including actual damages, attorney fees, and fines up to $10,000 per violation.
Penalties and Enforcement
What happens if I exceed the AB 1482 rent cap?
You must roll back the rent to the legal maximum immediately and refund all excess rent collected going back to the date of the violation. The tenant can sue to recover the excess amount plus attorney fees and actual damages. The law does not distinguish between intentional and accidental violations — both carry the same consequences.
Can a tenant sue me for violating AB 1482?
Yes. AB 1482 is enforced through private civil action. If the tenant prevails, they recover attorney fees in addition to excess rent and damages. This fee-shifting provision means tenants can find attorneys willing to take cases on contingency, making enforcement more common than landlords expect.
Is there a government agency that enforces AB 1482?
No. There is no state agency that proactively enforces AB 1482. Enforcement is entirely through private civil action by tenants. Some cities with local rent control have enforcement boards (Los Angeles RSO, San Francisco Rent Board), but for properties only covered by AB 1482, the tenant must file a civil lawsuit or small claims case to enforce their rights.
Practical Compliance
Do I have to notify tenants of the applicable rent cap?
Yes. AB 1482 requires landlords to provide annual written notice to tenants of the applicable rent cap percentage. This notice must state the specific maximum percentage increase allowed under the law. Failure to provide this notice does not exempt you from the cap, but it can create additional liability in a dispute.
Where can I find the current CPI rates for my region?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes CPI data for California regions on the BLS West Region page (bls.gov/regions/west/). Look for the April-to-April percentage change for your metro area. Alternatively, the LeaseBase AB 1482 Calculator uses current BLS data and calculates the exact cap for your region automatically.
Related Resources
AB 1482 Rent Cap Calculator
Calculate your maximum allowable rent increase using current CPI data for your region.
Calculate now →Complete AB 1482 Guide
Full landlord guide to rent caps, just cause eviction, exemptions, and penalties.
Read the guide →Just Cause Eviction Guide
All 10 legal grounds, notice requirements, and relocation assistance rules.
Read the guide →Rent Increase Notice Requirements
30-day vs 90-day notice rules, required language, and proper service methods.
Read the rules →CA Landlord Compliance Checklist
Every law, deadline, and form California landlords need in 2026.
Read checklist →Stay compliant without the guesswork
LeaseBase™ automatically tracks rent caps, notice periods, and compliance deadlines for every unit in your portfolio.
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Written by Rachid Abadli
Rachid is the founder of LeaseBase and a rental property owner in Sacramento, CA. He writes about California landlord compliance, property management economics, and the practical realities of self-managing rentals.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Rent cap rates, exemption rules, and eviction requirements vary by jurisdiction and change periodically. Consult a qualified California real estate attorney for guidance on your specific situation.