How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in California in 2026–2027?

California's statewide rent cap

For many covered residential tenancies, California Civil Code section 1947.12 limits the total increase in gross rent over a 12-month period to 5% plus the applicable change in the cost of living, or 10%, whichever is lower.

The applicable CPI depends on the property's location and the effective date of the increase, so a statewide headline percentage is not enough for every California property.

The August 1, 2026 figures

California's Attorney General published updated statewide figures for increases taking effect from August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027. The statewide maximum under the Tenant Protection Act is 8.7% in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, 8.1% in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, 8.2% in San Diego County, 8.8% in the San Francisco-area counties listed by the Attorney General, and 8.6% in all other counties.

These are statewide Tenant Protection Act ceilings for covered housing. A local rent-control or rent-stabilization ordinance can impose a lower limit.

Local rent control can be stricter

A property in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Monica, Richmond, Pasadena, Sacramento, or another rent-regulated city may have a local annual adjustment that is lower than the statewide cap. Always identify the city and county before relying on the state percentage.

Los Angeles City and unincorporated Los Angeles County use different local caps

For qualifying City of Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance units, the annual adjustment is 3% for July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. City RSO coverage generally concerns qualifying units with certificates of occupancy issued before October 1, 1978, subject to exemptions and property-specific rules.

For fully covered units in unincorporated Los Angeles County under the Rent Stabilization and Tenant Protections Ordinance, the July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 maximum is 1.919% for general units. Qualifying Small Property Landlords may use 2.919% after annual self-certification and the required tenant disclosure, while qualifying luxury units may use 3.919% with the required disclosure.

These local limits are different from the 8.7% California Tenant Protection Act ceiling for Los Angeles and Orange Counties. When a verified local ordinance produces a lower applicable cap, the local rule controls for covered housing.

Not every property is covered

AB 1482 contains exemptions and special rules. Coverage can depend on property type, age, ownership structure, owner occupancy, and whether required exemption language was provided to the tenant.

Notice timing still matters

California requires written notice before a rent increase takes effect. For residential increases of 10% or less, state law generally requires at least 30 days' notice. For increases greater than 10%, state law generally requires at least 90 days' notice. A valid notice period does not override an applicable rent cap.