California's Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482) created statewide rent control, overriding decades of local variation. Even in areas without traditional rent control, you now have baseline protections: rent cannot increase more than 5% + inflation (capped at 10% total), and you can only be evicted for cause. Landlords often hide this in leases with clauses designed to make tenants waive these rights, or they simply ignore the law. You need to know what's actually protected.
What is a Rent Control?
California rent control means a landlord cannot increase rent more than 5% plus the cost of living adjustment (no more than 10% total) in a 12-month period. The law applies to almost all residential tenancies (with limited exceptions: units built after 2005, some luxury housing). No-cause evictions are effectively banned — a landlord must give a reason and proper notice. The law also caps security deposits at one month's rent and requires 30–60 days' notice of lease non-renewal or rent increases.
Red flags to watch for
Illegal. You cannot waive statutory tenant protections. A landlord cannot force you to agree the law doesn't apply to you.
Landlords must show the calculation (5% of current rent + inflation). A vague notice may not meet statutory requirements.
AB 1482 requires 30 days' notice for most tenancies, 60 days if you've lived there over one year. Shorter notice is non-compliant.
Illegal in California since 2019. All evictions must be for cause (non-payment, lease violation, owner move-in, etc.) with proper notice.
AB 1482 caps security deposits. Demanding more is illegal and violates the Civil Code.
If they're actually rent increases, they're subject to the 5%+inflation cap. Landlords sometimes disguise raises as fees to evade the cap.
Your legal rights
California Civil Code § 1946.2 (AB 1482) requires just cause for eviction, limits rent increases to 5% plus inflation (max 10%) per 12 months, and requires written notice. § 1947.6 prohibits waiver of these rights. § 1950.7 caps security deposits. Violations expose landlords to statutory damages of up to $1,000 per violation plus attorney's fees. The Department of Consumer Affairs' Bureau of Apartment Building Disputes (or your local rent control board) can investigate complaints.
Questions to ask before you sign
- 1Does the lease explicitly say it's subject to AB 1482 and California rent control?
- 2What is the maximum annual rent increase percentage allowed under this lease?
- 3How much notice must you give me before raising the rent, and how much notice must I give before ending the tenancy?
- 4Can you evict me without cause, or must you provide a reason?
- 5What is the security deposit amount, and what is it capped at under state law?
- 6Are there any additional fees, surcharges, or 'service charges' that could be disguised rent increases?
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contract law varies by jurisdiction and individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified legal professional before making decisions based on this information.