Cal. Civ. Code 1947.12
Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482) - Los Angeles Area
California's statewide rent cap. In the Los Angeles area it limits yearly increases to 5% plus the local change in the cost of living, up to 10%, measured from the lowest rent charged in the 12 months before the increase.
Caps by period
The cap that applies is the one in effect on the date the increase takes effect, not the date you serve the notice.
| Increases taking effect | Cap | How it's set |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 1, 2026 – Jul 31, 2027 | 8.7% | min(5% + CPI, 10%) of lowest gross rent in prior 12 months; CPI rounded to nearest 0.1% |
| Aug 1, 2025 – Jul 31, 2026 | 8% | min(5% + CPI, 10%) of lowest gross rent in prior 12 months; CPI rounded to nearest 0.1% |
Who's covered
Most residential units with CofO more than 15 years old, unless exempt. Units under a stricter local RSO are governed by the local cap (1947.12(d)(3)).
A city or county ordinance with a lower cap applies instead where it covers the unit.
Exemptions
- Certificate of occupancy issued within the previous 15 years (rolling) (Civ. Code 1947.12(d)(4))
- Single-family home or condo (separately alienable) not owned by REIT/corporation/LLC with a corporate member, with written exemption notice given (Civ. Code 1947.12(d)(5))
- Owner-occupied duplex (Civ. Code 1947.12(d)(6))
- Deed-restricted / regulatory-agreement affordable housing (Civ. Code 1947.12(d)(1))
- New tenancy (vacancy) - initial rent not capped (Civ. Code 1947.12(b); Civ. Code 1954.53 (Costa-Hawkins) for local RSOs)
Limits on how often
Up to 2 increases in any 12-month period, with the total staying under the cap.
Notice
At least 30 days' written notice for increases of 10% or less over 12 months, 90 days above that (Civil Code 827). Mailed notices add 5 calendar days within California (Code of Civil Procedure 1013(a)).
Sources
- CA Attorney General - Limits on Rent Increases (accessed Oct 18, 2026)
- LA County DCBA - Rent Increases (accessed Oct 18, 2026)
- Cal. Civil Code 1947.12 (text read via california.public.law mirror) (accessed Oct 18, 2026)
Last verified Oct 18, 2026. Report an error.