Gardena has no fixed local rent cap, so the statewide cap (AB 1482) is the most you can charge. But an increase of more than 5% in 12 months can be challenged: the tenant can ask for city mediation and a hearing, and a hearing officer decides whether the increase is just, fair and reasonable (Municipal Code Ch. 14.04).
Also in Gardena:
- a notice of an increase over 5% in 12 months must tell the tenant of the right to mediation and a hearing, and that they have 10 business days after service to file a petition (§14.04.090(D)).
- if the tenant files, the increase doesn't take effect until you take part in good faith, and you must give the panel any cost records it asks for within 10 business days or the notice is void (§§14.04.100, 14.04.210). The hearing officer's decision is final.
- the city code says increases can't take effect sooner than 60 days (90 if over 10%) after the tenant receives notice (§14.04.220). That's longer than the state's 30 days, so the dates here use 60.
- Gardena's chapter doesn't list exemptions, and it isn't clear whether state law (Costa-Hawkins) keeps it off single-family homes, condos or newer buildings. Ask the city if that matters for your unit.
Which law applies in Gardena?
California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) caps yearly increases at 5% plus the local change in the cost of living, up to 10%. For the Los Angeles area that is 8.7% for increases taking effect Aug 1, 2026 – Jul 31, 2027, and 8% for increases that took effect before Aug 1, 2026.
The cap is measured from the lowest rent charged in the 12 months before the increase, and rent can go up at most twice in any 12-month period, with the total staying under the cap.
Who's covered by AB 1482
| Type of rental | Capped? |
|---|---|
| Apartments and duplexes, 15+ years old | Yes |
| Certificate of occupancy in the last 15 years | No (rolling window) |
| House or condo owned by an individual, tenant got the exemption notice | No |
| House or condo owned by a corporation, REIT, or LLC with a corporate member | Yes |
| Duplex where the owner lives in the other unit | No |
| Deed-restricted affordable units | No (set by the agreement) |
Local status checked Nov 1, 2026
Check the address first. The city in a mailing address isn't always the city that governs the property, and boundaries change through annexation. Unincorporated areas follow County rules, where older buildings with 2+ units have a 1.919% cap.
How much notice to give
Under Civil Code 827, give at least 30 days' notice if the increase, together with any others in the past 12 months, is 10% or less. Above 10%, give 90 days. In Gardena, the city code sets a longer minimum: 60 days. The calculator uses it.
Questions about Gardena
Does Gardena have rent control?
Not a fixed cap. AB 1482 sets the maximum, but under Gardena Residential Rent Mediation and Hearings (Municipal Code Ch. 14.04) a tenant can challenge an increase of more than 5% in 12 months, and a hearing officer decides whether it is just, fair and reasonable.
How much can I raise rent in Gardena in 2026?
Under AB 1482, up to 8.7% over the lowest rent charged in the previous 12 months, for increases taking effect Aug 1, 2026 through Jul 31, 2027.
How much notice do I have to give?
Gardena's code requires at least 60 days, and 90 days if the total increase over the past 12 months is more than 10%. State law (Civil Code 827) alone would allow 30 days for 10% or less.
Sources
- Gardena Municipal Code Ch. 14.04, Residential Rent Mediation and Hearings (eCode360, legislation through Sept. 22, 2026) (accessed Nov 1, 2026)
- CA Attorney General - Limits on Rent Increases (local ordinance chart) (accessed Oct 21, 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)
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