What is AB 1482 and how does it affect rent increases?

AB 1482, the Tenant Protection Act of 2019, caps rent increases in California at 5% plus local CPI (inflation), with an absolute maximum of 10% per year. It applies to most rental properties built before 2005 (and rolls forward, so properties 15+ years old are covered).

How is the maximum rent increase calculated under AB 1482?

The maximum increase is the lesser of: (1) 5% + local Consumer Price Index (CPI), or (2) 10% total. For example, if CPI is 3.5%, the max increase is 8.5% (5% + 3.5%). If CPI were 6%, the cap would be 10% (not 11%).

What properties are exempt from AB 1482 rent caps?

Exempt properties include: buildings less than 15 years old, single-family homes not owned by corporations (with proper notice), duplexes where owner occupies one unit, affordable housing, and certain mobile homes. Always verify exemption status.

What is the current CPI rate for California rent increases?

For April 2024 - March 2025, the statewide CPI used for AB 1482 is approximately 3.8%. This means the maximum rent increase is 8.8% (5% + 3.8%). CPI rates are updated annually by the California Department of Industrial Relations.

Can landlords increase rent more than once per year?

Under AB 1482, landlords can increase rent at most twice in a 12-month period, but the total of both increases cannot exceed the annual cap (5% + CPI or 10%). Month-to-month tenants must receive 30 days notice for increases up to 10%.

How much notice must landlords give for rent increases?

In California, landlords must give 30 days written notice for increases of 10% or less. For increases over 10% (which would be illegal under AB 1482 for covered properties), 90 days notice is required.

Does AB 1482 apply to my apartment in Los Angeles or San Francisco?

Yes, AB 1482 is a statewide law. However, some cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland have stricter local rent control ordinances. In those cases, the stricter limit applies. Check your local rent board for specific rules.

What can I do if my landlord exceeds the legal rent increase limit?

If your landlord exceeds AB 1482 limits, you can: (1) send written notice citing AB 1482, (2) file a complaint with your local housing authority, (3) withhold the excess amount, or (4) sue for damages including excess rent paid plus attorney fees.

RentLateFee.com

Updated for 2025 CPI Rates

California Rent Increase Calculator

Calculate the maximum legal rent increase under California's AB 1482 Tenant Protection Act. Uses current CPI + 5% formula with a 10% absolute cap.

Last Updated

December 8, 2025

RentLateFee Legal Team

California Tenant Law Specialists

Our team tracks California housing legislation including AB 1482 to provide accurate rent increase calculations for landlords and tenants.

AB 1482 Rent Increase Calculator

Calculate your maximum allowable rent increase under California law

Current Monthly Rent

CPI Period

Property Age

Owner Type

AB 1482 Formula: Maximum increase = 5% + CPI (capped at 10% total). For 2024-2025: 5% + 3.8% = 8.8%

AB 1482 Quick Facts

Cap Formula

5% + Local CPI (max 10%)

Frequency

Max 2 increases per 12 months

Notice Required

30 days written notice

AB 1482 Exemptions

Properties NOT covered by AB 1482:

Buildings less than 15 years old
Single-family homes (with exceptions)
Owner-occupied duplexes
Affordable/subsidized housing
Properties with local rent control

Related Tools

Understanding California Rent Increase Laws

California's AB 1482 Tenant Protection Act (effective January 1, 2020) limits rent increases for most rental properties in the state. The law caps annual rent increases at 5% plus the local Consumer Price Index (CPI), with an absolute maximum of 10% regardless of inflation.

How the AB 1482 Cap Works

The rent increase cap is calculated using a specific formula: 5% plus the local Consumer Price Index (CPI). The CPI reflects inflation in your metropolitan area and is published annually by the California Department of Industrial Relations. For example, if your local CPI is 3.5%, your landlord can increase rent by up to 8.5% (5% + 3.5%). However, even if the CPI is very high (like 8.8% in 2022-2023), the absolute maximum increase allowed is 10%.

Landlords must also provide 30 days written notice before any rent increase takes effect. For increases greater than 10% (on exempt properties), 90 days notice is required. Keep records of all rent increase notices you receive, as AB 1482 prohibits landlords from increasing rent more than twice in any 12-month period, and cumulative increases cannot exceed the annual cap.

Local Rent Control vs. AB 1482

Some California cities have their own local rent control ordinances that may be stricter than AB 1482. Cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Oakland, and Berkeley have rent control laws that cap annual increases at lower rates (often 60-100% of CPI). If your property is covered by local rent control, those rules apply instead of AB 1482. Our calculator uses AB 1482 statewide rules - check with your local housing authority for city-specific regulations.

Historical CPI Rates for California

Period	CPI Rate	Max Increase
Apr 2024 - Mar 2025	3.8%	8.8%
Apr 2023 - Mar 2024	3.6%	8.6%
Apr 2022 - Mar 2023	8.8%	10.0% (capped)
Apr 2021 - Mar 2022	4.3%	9.3%

Source: California Department of Industrial Relations. CPI rates are based on the April-to-April change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for the metropolitan area.