Notices

Rent increases must be made by advance written notice stating the amount of the increase and when it takes effect. A conversation, phone call, or text message is not a valid rent increase notice.

How Much Notice Is Required

Effective January 1, 2020, California law requires 90 days' written notice when a rent increase is more than 10 percent. Increases of 10% or less require 30 days' written notice.

The 10% threshold counts all increases over the preceding 12 months combined, measured against the lowest rent charged during that period. If the notice is sent by mail, the notice period is extended by at least 5 days.

At properties subject to AB 1482, rent increases are limited to 5% + CPI (but no more than 10%) over any 12-month period — so most covered increases require 30 days' notice.

Exempt Properties

Some properties are exempt from AB 1482's cap — most commonly single-family homes and condominiums owned by individuals, owner-occupied duplexes, and buildings less than 15 years old. For the single-family home and condominium exemption to apply, the owner or property manager must have given written notice that the unit is exempt from AB 1482. Rent under a fixed-term lease cannot be increased during the lease term unless the lease itself allows it.