AB 1482 Rent Cap 2026-27: State Formula vs. Your City's Stricter Rule
A rent increase in California can fall under two caps: the state formula and a city ordinance. When both apply, the lower one controls, so running only the state formula overstates what's legal.
AB 1482's statewide formula is 5% plus the regional CPI change, capped at 10% total. For August 2026 through July 2027 that comes to 8.7% in the LA/Orange County region and 8.8% in the SF/Bay Area region. That is the state ceiling. If your city has its own rent control ordinance with a lower cap, the city's cap applies.
The state formula, region by region
AB 1482 doesn't set one number for the whole state. The cap is 5% plus the Consumer Price Index change for your metro region, capped at 10%. For the current period the percentages are:
- Los Angeles / Orange County: 8.7%
- San Francisco / Bay Area: 8.8%
- San Diego: 8.2%
- Riverside / San Bernardino: 8.1%
The percentages change each August as regional CPI changes, so a figure quoted from an earlier year is probably wrong for this one.
When a city cap replaces the state number
Several California cities have their own, stricter rent control ordinance on top of AB 1482. Where both cover a unit, the lower cap applies. A city can set a lower cap than the state's but not a higher one. Some city caps are far below the state formula:
- Los Angeles: 3% under the LA Rent Stabilization Ordinance, versus 8.7% under the state formula for the same region.
- Oakland: 2.3% under Oakland's Rent Adjustment Program.
- Berkeley: 1% under the Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board.
- San Francisco: 1.6% under the SF Rent Board's annual allowable increase notice.
- Santa Monica: 2.6%, and no more than $70 a month. The lower of the two applies.
For a unit covered by one of these ordinances, a landlord who says "the state allows up to 8.7%" is quoting the wrong cap. The local ordinance sets the limit.
Notice periods and exemptions still matter
Whichever cap applies, California law requires 30 days' notice for an increase of 10% or less and 90 days' notice for an increase of more than 10%. AB 1482 also exempts some properties, including many single-family homes whose tenants received the required notice and buildings less than 15 years old. Check first that the tenancy is covered before relying on any of the percentages above.
Get your exact number
Our AB 1482 Rent Increase Calculator checks the regional state formula and any stricter city ordinance, tells you which one applies to your unit, and gives the required notice period and any exemption that applies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AB 1482 rent increase cap right now?
The statewide formula is 5% plus the regional Consumer Price Index change, capped at 10% total. For the current covered period, that works out to roughly 8.1%-8.8% depending on region.
Can my landlord raise rent by the full AB 1482 percentage even if my city has rent control?
No. If your city has its own rent control ordinance with a lower cap, the local ordinance controls. AB 1482 sets a statewide ceiling. A city can set a lower cap but not a higher one.
How much notice does my landlord need to give for a rent increase?
30 days' notice for an increase of 10% or less, and 90 days' notice for an increase of more than 10%, regardless of whether the state or a local cap applies.
This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Rent control law turns on the facts of each tenancy. Confirm your cap and exemption status with your city's rent board or a tenant/landlord attorney.