Is my California rental subject to rent control?

California’s statewide rent cap (AB 1482) limits rent increases on most rentals, but many single-family homes, condos, newer buildings and owner-occupied duplexes are exempt. Answer up to five questions to see where your property stands. If you rent more than one unit on a property, like a house and an ADU, check each one separately.

Question 1 of up to 5

Does the property’s city or county have its own rent control law?

Several Southern California cities, including Los Angeles, have local rent control that can be stricter than state law. Check your city’s website if you’re unsure.

Civil Code § 1947.12(d)(3)

This tool explains California state law in plain English. It isn't legal advice, and local ordinances can be stricter.

How California's statewide rent control works

The Tenant Protection Act of 2019, known as AB 1482, added Civil Code section 1947.12. It limits rent increases on most residential rentals to 5% plus the change in local cost of living, or 10%, whichever is lower, over any 12 months. The law runs until January 1, 2030.

These properties are exempt from the state cap:

Exemption	Conditions	Notice needed?
Newer construction	Certificate of occupancy issued within the last 15 years. Not mobile homes.	No
Single-family homes and condos	Can be sold separately from any other unit, and not owned by a REIT, a corporation, or an LLC with a corporate member	Yes, exact wording in the lease
House with an ADU	The main house likely isn't exempt, because it can't be sold separately from the ADU. A newly built ADU can be exempt for 15 years on its own.	Check each unit
Owner-occupied duplex	Two units in one structure, landlord lives in one since the tenancy began, neither unit an ADU or junior ADU	No
Affordable housing and dorms	Deed-restricted or subsidized affordable housing, or school dormitories	No
Stricter local rent control	A city or county ordinance that limits increases more than state law	Local rules apply

Source: California Civil Code section 1947.12 (AB 1482, Tenant Protection Act of 2019), in effect until January 1, 2030.

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