Rent Increase Rules in Richmond, California
This page combines the verified California baseline with a separately reviewed Richmond 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 Richmond local-rule snapshot
For fully covered Richmond rent-controlled units, the 2026 Annual General Adjustment is 1.5% for increases effective 9/1/26–8/31/27. Valid previously untaken banked AGAs can bring the total allowable increase up to 6.5%, subject to Rent Program calculation, registration/compliance and required rental-history records. The ordinary AGA applies only after one full calendar year of tenancy. Richmond publishes a 30-day AGA notice template for increases of 10% or less and requires a copy of the served notice plus proof of service to be filed with the Rent Program within 10 business days.
Current listed local maximum: 1.5% · 9/1/26–8/31/27
2026 Annual General Adjustment: 1.5%
AGA + eligible banked increases: 6.5% — Use only when the Richmond Rent Program confirms eligible previously untaken banked AGAs and the required records support the combined amount.
Published notice baseline: at least 30 days written notice; property/tenancy facts can require additional review.
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.
Richmond 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: For fully covered Richmond rent-controlled units, the 2026 Annual General Adjustment is 1.5% for increases effective 9/1/26–8/31/27. Valid previously untaken banked AGAs can bring the total allowable increase up to 6.5%, subject to Rent Program calculation, registration/compliance and required rental-history records. The ordinary AGA applies only after one full calendar year of tenancy. Richmond publishes a 30-day AGA notice template for increases of 10% or less and requires a copy of the served notice plus proof of service to be filed with the Rent Program within 10 business days.
Last verified: 2026-09-17
Official source: Local source linked above.
Common questions
Does Richmond have separate rent increase rules?
For fully covered Richmond rent-controlled units, the 2026 Annual General Adjustment is 1.5% for increases effective 9/1/26–8/31/27. Valid previously untaken banked AGAs can bring the total allowable increase up to 6.5%, subject to Rent Program calculation, registration/compliance and required rental-history records. The ordinary AGA applies only after one full calendar year of tenancy. Richmond publishes a 30-day AGA notice template for increases of 10% or less and requires a copy of the served notice plus proof of service to be filed with the Rent Program within 10 business days.
Where should I start?
Start with the verified California baseline, then check the rules for the property and tenancy type.