Rent Increase Notices

Every rent increase requires advance written notice to the tenant stating the amount of the increase and the date it takes effect. A phone call, text, or casual conversation is not sufficient, and a court can nullify an increase that was not properly noticed.

Notice Periods

• 10% or less — at least 30 days' written notice.
• More than 10% — at least 90 days' written notice (effective January 1, 2020).

The 10% threshold is measured against the lowest rent charged during the preceding 12 months, counting the new increase combined with any other increases in that period. Two 5% increases in the same year, for example, together exceed 10% and trigger the 90-day requirement.

At properties subject to AB 1482, increases are also capped at 5% + CPI (but no more than 10%) over any 12-month period, and no more than two increases are allowed in that period — so a covered increase will normally need only 30 days' notice.

Serving the Notice

You may deliver the notice personally, in which case the 30- or 90-day period runs from delivery. If you serve by first-class mail, add 5 days to the notice period (more if mailed from outside California).

Rent under a fixed-term lease cannot be increased during the term unless the lease specifically allows it.