Berkeley Rent Control
1% allowable increase · Jan 1, 2026 to Dec 31, 2026 · AB 1482 fallback 8.8%
The allowable increase for covered units is 1% (Jan 1, 2026 to Dec 31, 2026). Berkeley's rent cap covers units in multifamily buildings first occupied before June 30, 1980. Single-family homes and condos are exempt from local caps under the state Costa-Hawkins Act. Units the local cap doesn't cover usually fall under the statewide AB 1482 cap: 8.8% for the San Francisco / Bay Area region (Aug 1, 2026 to Jul 31, 2027).
Berkeley Rent Increase Calculator
Local cap vs. AB 1482 in Berkeley
Which limit applies depends on the building, not the tenant:
| Rental | Rule | Maximum yearly increase | On $2,500 rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit in a multifamily building first occupied before Jun 30, 1980 | Berkeley ordinance | 1% | $2,525 |
| Newer multifamily unit, or a single-family home or condo owned by a corporation, more than 15 years old | AB 1482 (Civil Code 1947.12) | 8.8% | $2,720 |
| Built within the last 15 years; or a single-family home or condo owned by an individual whose lease has the exemption notice | No cap | None | — |
A landlord must give written notice before raising the rent: 30 days for an increase of 10% or less over 12 months, 90 days for more (Civil Code 827).
Eviction, relocation and registration rules
| Just cause for eviction | Yes, under Berkeley's own ordinance. Elsewhere, AB 1482 requires just cause after 12 months of tenancy. |
|---|---|
| Relocation assistance (no-fault evictions) | Owner move-in and Ellis Act evictions (2026): $19,413, plus $6,471 for households with a senior, disabled person or minor. |
| Rental registration | Required for covered units, usually with an annual per-unit fee. |
| Official source | Berkeley rent program |
No-fault reasons include an owner or relative moving in, taking the building off the rental market (Ellis Act), a government order to vacate and a substantial remodel. At-fault reasons such as unpaid rent or a lease violation don't require a relocation payment.
Rent control near Berkeley
The 5 closest cities with their own rent caps. Each city's ordinance stops at its limits, so moving a few miles can change which cap applies.
| City | Distance | Allowable increase | Covers buildings from before |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond | 7 mi | 1.5% | Feb 1, 1995 |
| Oakland | 8 mi | 2.3% | Jan 1, 1983 |
| Alameda | 9 mi | 2.7% | Feb 1, 1995 |
| Hayward | 20 mi | 5% | Jul 1, 1979 |
| Antioch | 28 mi | 2.04% | Feb 1, 1995 |
Berkeley's 1% is lower than every nearby cap shown. Caps are set on different schedules, so compare the dates too.
Rent control in all 22 California cities and counties with a local cap →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum rent increase in Berkeley?
The allowable increase for covered units is 1% (Jan 1, 2026 to Dec 31, 2026). Units the local cap doesn't cover usually fall under the statewide AB 1482 cap: 8.8% for the San Francisco / Bay Area region (Aug 1, 2026 to Jul 31, 2027).
Which rentals are covered by Berkeley's rent control?
Berkeley's rent cap covers units in multifamily buildings first occupied before June 30, 1980. Single-family homes and condos are exempt from local caps under the state Costa-Hawkins Act. Costa-Hawkins also keeps local caps off buildings with a certificate of occupancy after February 1, 1995. Housing built within the last 15 years is exempt from AB 1482 as well.
Does Berkeley have just-cause eviction protection?
Yes. Berkeley has its own just-cause eviction rules, so a landlord needs one of the reasons the ordinance lists to end a tenancy. Where they don't reach a unit, AB 1482's just-cause rules apply once a tenant has lived there 12 months.
How much relocation assistance do tenants get in Berkeley?
Owner move-in and Ellis Act evictions (2026): $19,413, plus $6,471 for households with a senior, disabled person or minor.
Do landlords have to register rental units in Berkeley?
Yes. Berkeley requires landlords of covered units to register them with the rent program, and usually to pay an annual per-unit fee.
Sources
- Berkeley rent program (allowable increase, coverage, relocation)
- California Civil Code 1947.12 (AB 1482 rent cap), 1946.2 (just cause and relocation), 1954.52 (Costa-Hawkins) and 827 (notice of increase)
Educational information only, not legal advice. Rent ordinances have exemptions, banking rules and petition processes this page doesn't cover. Confirm your unit's status with the Berkeley rent program or a tenant or landlord attorney.