San Jose Rent Control
5% allowable increase · AB 1482 fallback 8.8%
The allowable increase for covered units is 5%. San Jose's rent cap covers units in multifamily buildings first occupied before September 7, 1979. 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).
San Jose Rent Increase Calculator
Local cap vs. AB 1482 in San Jose
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 Sep 7, 1979 | San Jose ordinance | 5% | $2,625 |
| 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 | — |
Flat 5% a year. Covers buildings with 3 or more units.
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 San Jose's own ordinance. Elsewhere, AB 1482 requires just cause after 12 months of tenancy. |
|---|---|
| Relocation assistance (no-fault evictions) | Ellis Act withdrawals: the city's schedule lists base relocation of $6,925 (studio), $8,400 (1 bedroom), $10,353 (2 bedrooms) and $12,414 (3 bedrooms), plus $2,770 to $4,966 for qualified households. The city's relocation consultant sets the final amount. |
| Rental registration | No requirement found. |
| Official source | San Jose 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 San Jose
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain View | 16 mi | 2.5% | Feb 1, 1995 |
| East Palo Alto | 21 mi | 2% | Jan 1, 1988 |
| Hayward | 28 mi | 5% | Jul 1, 1979 |
| Alameda | 39 mi | 2.7% | Feb 1, 1995 |
| Oakland | 40 mi | 2.3% | Jan 1, 1983 |
San Jose's 5% is higher 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 San Jose?
The allowable increase for covered units is 5%. Flat 5% a year. Covers buildings with 3 or more units. 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 San Jose's rent control?
San Jose's rent cap covers units in multifamily buildings first occupied before September 7, 1979. 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 San Jose have just-cause eviction protection?
Yes. San Jose 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 San Jose?
Ellis Act withdrawals: the city's schedule lists base relocation of $6,925 (studio), $8,400 (1 bedroom), $10,353 (2 bedrooms) and $12,414 (3 bedrooms), plus $2,770 to $4,966 for qualified households. The city's relocation consultant sets the final amount.
Do landlords have to register rental units in San Jose?
We did not find a registration requirement for San Jose.
Sources
- San Jose rent program (allowable increase, coverage)
- San Jose relocation rules (relocation amounts, checked September 30, 2026)
- 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 San Jose rent program or a tenant or landlord attorney.