Rent Increase Rules in Commerce, California
This page combines the verified California baseline with a separately reviewed Commerce 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 Commerce local-rule snapshot
California DOJ’s current official local-rent-cap chart identifies Commerce Municipal Code Chapter 9.95 as an active rent-stabilization framework. The ordinary rule permits a total increase in a 12-month period of 5% plus the applicable CPI change, up to a 10% ceiling, and the increase may be taken in two increments. Commerce uses the same formula as the California Tenant Protection Act in the Los Angeles Area. Because the operative CPI component changes by annual period and Max Rental Tools has not independently resolved a more protective fixed local percentage from a current Commerce publication, this local record is verified at the framework level without freezing a numeric currentCap; the current verified California Los Angeles Area amount and property coverage must still be resolved before numeric reliance.
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.
Commerce 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: California DOJ’s current official local-rent-cap chart identifies Commerce Municipal Code Chapter 9.95 as an active rent-stabilization framework. The ordinary rule permits a total increase in a 12-month period of 5% plus the applicable CPI change, up to a 10% ceiling, and the increase may be taken in two increments. Commerce uses the same formula as the California Tenant Protection Act in the Los Angeles Area. Because the operative CPI component changes by annual period and Max Rental Tools has not independently resolved a more protective fixed local percentage from a current Commerce publication, this local record is verified at the framework level without freezing a numeric currentCap; the current verified California Los Angeles Area amount and property coverage must still be resolved before numeric reliance.
Last verified: 2026-09-17
Official source: Local source linked above.
Common questions
Does Commerce have separate rent increase rules?
California DOJ’s current official local-rent-cap chart identifies Commerce Municipal Code Chapter 9.95 as an active rent-stabilization framework. The ordinary rule permits a total increase in a 12-month period of 5% plus the applicable CPI change, up to a 10% ceiling, and the increase may be taken in two increments. Commerce uses the same formula as the California Tenant Protection Act in the Los Angeles Area. Because the operative CPI component changes by annual period and Max Rental Tools has not independently resolved a more protective fixed local percentage from a current Commerce publication, this local record is verified at the framework level without freezing a numeric currentCap; the current verified California Los Angeles Area amount and property coverage must still be resolved before numeric reliance.
Where should I start?
Start with the verified California baseline, then check the rules for the property and tenancy type.