Rent Increase Rules in Bell Gardens, California
This page combines the verified California baseline with a separately reviewed Bell Gardens local-rule snapshot.
Statewide baseline
For covered properties, California limits rent increases to 5% plus cost of living, up to 10%. For increases beginning Aug. 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027, the California DOJ publishes regional maximums from 8.1% to 8.8%; a lower local ordinance can control.
State reference: California Civil Code § 1947.12 / Tenant Protection Act
State official source Editorial & verification policyVerified Bell Gardens local-rule snapshot
Bell Gardens Ordinance No. 925 / Municipal Code Chapter 5.62 limits the ordinary annual increase for covered units to 50% of the applicable CPI change or 4%, whichever is lower. The City-published maximum for increases effective November 1, 2025 through October 31, 2026 is 1.5%, based on the April 2025 CPI change. The City also describes a separately approved below-fair-market-rent process for qualifying units; that approval pathway is not treated as an automatic calculator allowance. Property coverage, registration, exemptions and any special approval must be confirmed before reliance.
Current listed local maximum: 1.5% · 11/1/25–10/31/26
Local source reviewed: 2026-09-17
Official local-rule sourceCoverage, exemptions, lawful base rent, banking rules, registration, tenancy type, and property-specific facts can still change the result.
Bell Gardens rent increase quick answer
State baseline: For covered properties, California limits rent increases to 5% plus cost of living, up to 10%. For increases beginning Aug. 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027, the California DOJ publishes regional maximums from 8.1% to 8.8%; a lower local ordinance can control.
Local rule: Bell Gardens Ordinance No. 925 / Municipal Code Chapter 5.62 limits the ordinary annual increase for covered units to 50% of the applicable CPI change or 4%, whichever is lower. The City-published maximum for increases effective November 1, 2025 through October 31, 2026 is 1.5%, based on the April 2025 CPI change. The City also describes a separately approved below-fair-market-rent process for qualifying units; that approval pathway is not treated as an automatic calculator allowance. Property coverage, registration, exemptions and any special approval must be confirmed before reliance.
Last verified: 2026-09-17
Official source: Local source linked above.
Common questions
Does Bell Gardens have separate rent increase rules?
Bell Gardens Ordinance No. 925 / Municipal Code Chapter 5.62 limits the ordinary annual increase for covered units to 50% of the applicable CPI change or 4%, whichever is lower. The City-published maximum for increases effective November 1, 2025 through October 31, 2026 is 1.5%, based on the April 2025 CPI change. The City also describes a separately approved below-fair-market-rent process for qualifying units; that approval pathway is not treated as an automatic calculator allowance. Property coverage, registration, exemptions and any special approval must be confirmed before reliance.
Where should I start?
Start with the verified California baseline, then check the rules for the property and tenancy type.