General information, not legal advice. Landlord-tenant rules change, and cities and counties can add their own. Check the current statute and local ordinances, and talk to a licensed attorney before you act.
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The short version
- A month-to-month rent increase of 10 percent or less within 12 months needs at least 30 days of written notice.
- An increase of more than 10 percent within 12 months needs at least 90 days of written notice.
- For covered units, rent may rise by no more than 5 percent plus the regional inflation rate, and never more than 10 percent, in any 12 months. Units built in the last 15 years and some single family homes owned by individuals are exempt. The statewide cap is set to expire on January 1, 2030.
- A landlord may not raise rent, cut services or evict to retaliate against a tenant who used a legal right, and action within 180 days of that right being used is presumed retaliatory.
In California the length of notice for a rent increase depends on the size of the increase. Larger increases need a longer notice, and covered units must also stay under the statewide cap.
California rent increase notice at a glance
| Rule | California | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Notice before a rent increase | A month-to-month rent increase of 10 percent or less within 12 months needs at least 30 days of written notice. | Civil Code section 827 |
| Notice before a rent increase | An increase of more than 10 percent within 12 months needs at least 90 days of written notice. | Civil Code section 827 |
| Statewide cap on increases | For covered units, rent may rise by no more than 5 percent plus the regional inflation rate, and never more than 10 percent, in any 12 months. Units built in the last 15 years and some single family homes owned by individuals are exempt. The statewide cap is set to expire on January 1, 2030. | Civil Code section 1947.12 |
| Retaliation protection | A landlord may not raise rent, cut services or evict to retaliate against a tenant who used a legal right, and action within 180 days of that right being used is presumed retaliatory. | Civil Code section 1942.5 |
How much notice to give
Give the notice in writing, keep a copy and record how and when it was delivered.
Notice before a rent increase. A month-to-month rent increase of 10 percent or less within 12 months needs at least 30 days of written notice. (Civil Code section 827)
Notice before a rent increase. An increase of more than 10 percent within 12 months needs at least 90 days of written notice. (Civil Code section 827)
Fixed-term leases
During a fixed-term lease, rent usually stays as written until the term ends unless the lease itself allows an increase. Plan increases for the renewal.
Caps that limit the increase
Statewide cap on increases. For covered units, rent may rise by no more than 5 percent plus the regional inflation rate, and never more than 10 percent, in any 12 months. Units built in the last 15 years and some single family homes owned by individuals are exempt. The statewide cap is set to expire on January 1, 2030. (Civil Code section 1947.12)
Rent control status. California has a statewide cap on annual increases for many rentals, and cities may run stricter programs within limits set by state law. (Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482) and Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act)
Timing and retaliation
Retaliation protection. A landlord may not raise rent, cut services or evict to retaliate against a tenant who used a legal right, and action within 180 days of that right being used is presumed retaliatory. (Civil Code section 1942.5)
Mistakes to avoid
- Raising rent during a fixed term without a clause that allows it.
- Sending the notice by text or email when the lease or the law calls for written delivery another way.
- Increasing rent right after a repair request or complaint.
- Not keeping proof of when the notice was delivered.
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General information, not legal advice.
Verify current law
We last checked these California rules on . Laws change and cities can add their own, so confirm the current text before you rely on it, and talk to a California attorney about your situation.
Laws named on this page
- Civil Code section 827
- Civil Code section 1947.12
- Civil Code section 1942.5
- Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482) and Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act
Official sources
California forms for this topic
Letters and checklists for this topic
- Notice of Rent Increase · PDF or Word
- Rent Increase Letter · PDF or Word
- Lease Renewal Letter · PDF or Word
Before you act on it. Check the statute too; this is not legal advice.
How much notice is needed to raise rent in California?
A month-to-month rent increase of 10 percent or less within 12 months needs at least 30 days of written notice. An increase of more than 10 percent within 12 months needs at least 90 days of written notice. Source: Civil Code section 827.
Is there a cap on rent increases in California?
For covered units, rent may rise by no more than 5 percent plus the regional inflation rate, and never more than 10 percent, in any 12 months. Units built in the last 15 years and some single family homes owned by individuals are exempt. The statewide cap is set to expire on January 1, 2030. Source: Civil Code section 1947.12.
Can a rent increase count as retaliation in California?
A landlord may not raise rent, cut services or evict to retaliate against a tenant who used a legal right, and action within 180 days of that right being used is presumed retaliatory. Source: Civil Code section 1942.5.