AB 1482 Rent Increase Limitations

In Marin, rent increases are limited for most rental properties. It’s essential for both tenants and landlords to be aware of the requirements outlined in AB 1482 (the California Tenant Protection Act of 2019) to ensure a fair and lawful tenancy.

Annual rent increases are limited to 5% plus change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), or 10%, whichever is lower. The April 2024 CPI for Marin was recorded at 3.8%, capping the allowable rent increase for 2024 at 8.8%.

Local rent control laws may further restrict how much a landlord can increase rent annually. In Marin County, the following cities have local rent control laws:   

• Fairfax
• San Anselmo
• Larkspur

If rent is increased by more than 5% in a year, tenant or landlord can request mandatory mediation services. If requested, this means the other party is required to attend. For more information visit our Mandatory Mediation page.

AB 1482 applies to all residential rental, except for the following:

• Single-family homes, except for those owned by a corporation, REIT, or LLC with a corporate member 
• A duplex where one of the units is occupied by the owner 
• Housing built within the last 15 years, including accessory dwelling units (ADUs). This is a rolling date which means that units built in 2006 will be covered in 2021, and units built in 2007 will be covered in 2022
• Housing with affordable for low- or moderate-income households deed restrictions 
• Mobile homes 
• Dormitories 

All landlords must provide tenants with a formal written notice when raising a tenant’s rent. It is important to note that verbal communication via call, text, or email is not sufficient. Tenants must be informed of state rent control laws. This information must be in the lease or a written notice signed by the resident.  

For units covered by AB 1482, the notice  must say:   

 “California law limits the amount your rent can be increased. See Section 1947.12 of the Civil Code for more information. California law also provides that after all of the tenants have continuously and lawfully occupied the property for 12 months or more or at least one of the tenants has continuously and lawfully occupied the property for 24 months or more, a landlord must provide a statement of cause in any notice to terminate a tenancy. See Section 1946.2 of the Civil Code for more information”.  

For units NOT covered by AB 1482, the notice must say:   

“This property is not subject to the rent limits imposed by Section 1947.12 of the Civil Code and is not subject to the just cause requirements of Section 1946.2 of the Civil Code. This property meets the requirements of Section 1947.12(d)(5) and 1946.2(e)(8) of the Civil Code and the owner is not any of the following: (1) a real estate investment trust, as defined by Section 856 of the Internal Revenue Code; (2) a corporation; or (3) a limited liability company in which at least one member is a corporation”.  

A rent increase notice must include the following information: 

• Effective date: Clearly state the date when the rent increase will take effect. This allows tenants to plan for the change in advance. 
• Current and new rent amount: This helps to understand the change and adjust their budget. 
• Payment details: Include how the tenant should pay rent going forward. If they change their payment method or the address where they send their payment, let them know. 
• ‍Contact information: This ensures tenants can reach out with any questions or concerns. 
• Notice period: Indicate the notice period, which is the amount of time before the rent increase takes effect. This allows tenants sufficient time to adjust their budget or consider other options. 
• Method of delivery: Clearly communicate how the notice is being delivered.
• Notice of Tenant Rights: A notice of rent increase must come with a Notice of Tenant Rights to be valid. A landlord’s failure to include a Notice of Tenant Rights could invalidate the rent increase