Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued two consumer alerts to inform residents about legal limits on rent increases. The first alert, titled "Know Your Rights as a California Tenant," details the maximum annual rent increase allowed under state law, specifically the Tenant Protection Act (TPA). According to the TPA, landlords are restricted from raising rent by more than 10% total or 5% plus the percentage change in the cost of living—whichever is lower—over a year. The second alert outlines local rent control or stabilization laws across California, noting that if local laws offer stronger protections than the TPA, those laws take precedence.

Attorney General Bonta emphasized the importance of these alerts amid rising rental prices. "At a time when rent prices continue to be a top concern for Californians, my office is publishing two consumer alerts to remind both landlords and tenants of the allowable rent-increase caps under the Tenant Protection Act and local law," he stated. "The bottom line is this: The Tenant Protection Act sets a floor—not a ceiling. If your city or county has stronger rent-increase protections than those provided by the Tenant Protection Act, that city or county’s protections take precedence."

The current statewide limit on rent increases under the TPA began on August 1, 2024, and will remain effective until July 31, 2025. These caps apply to most rental properties over 15 years old in California, including single-family homes and condos owned by corporations, mobile homes rented from park management, and housing rented by Section 8 recipients.

Changes in living costs are assessed using April Consumer Price Index data from various regions such as Los Angeles Area and San Francisco Area. For other counties, April California Consumer Price Index information is used; if unavailable, March data is considered.

The consumer alert detailing TPA rent-increase caps is accessible in multiple languages including English, Spanish, Chinese (Traditional), Farsi, French, German among others.

Local rent control laws differ in their caps and calculation methods often based on Consumer Price Index changes. A chart summarizing these local laws and key exemptions is available through the Attorney General's Office.

Californians facing eviction or suspecting tenant rights violations should seek immediate legal assistance. Free or low-cost legal aid might be available for those who qualify through resources like lawhelpca.org. Additionally, information about finding certified lawyers can be accessed via the California State Bar webpage or California Courts' webpage for tenants facing evictions.

These consumer alerts can be found at the end of the California DOJ webpage on Landlord-Tenant Issues.