California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued two consumer alerts to inform tenants and landlords about current legal limits on rent increases. The first alert, titled “Know Your Rights as a California Tenant,” provides details on the maximum annual rent increase allowed under state law, specifically the Tenant Protection Act (TPA). Under this act, most landlords cannot raise rent by more than 10% total or 5% plus the percentage change in the cost of living—whichever is lower—over a year.
The second alert summarizes local rent control or stabilization laws across California. It emphasizes that if local laws offer stronger rent protections than those under the TPA, then those local laws take precedence. Attorney General Bonta stated, "At a time when rent prices continue to be a top concern for Californians, my office is publishing two consumer alerts to remind both landlords and tenants of the allowable rent-increase caps under the Tenant Protection Act and local law.”
The TPA's new limit on rent increases became effective on August 1, 2024, and will remain until July 31, 2025. These caps apply to most rental properties over 15 years old in California, including single-family homes owned by corporations and mobilehomes rented from park management. The change in cost of living is measured using April Consumer Price Index data from various areas in California.
Local laws may have different methods for calculating their rent-increase caps based on changes in the Consumer Price Index. A chart showing these variations and key exemptions is available from the California Attorney General’s Office.
Californians facing eviction or who believe their landlord has violated tenant rights are advised to seek legal help immediately. Free or low-cost legal aid may be available through resources like lawhelpca.org. Additional information can be found on the California DOJ webpage regarding landlord-tenant issues.