California Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482)

Summary

California law caps annual rent increases at 5% plus inflation (up to a maximum of 10%) and requires landlords to have a valid 'just cause' to evict tenants who have lived there for at least a year.

Rights & Rules

01.
Your rent cannot be increased by more than 5% plus the local rate of inflation (max 10% total) in any 12-month period.
02.
If you have lived in the unit for 12 months, the landlord cannot evict you without a 'Just Cause' (like not paying rent, breach of lease, or nuisance).
03.
If the landlord evicts you for a 'No-Fault Just Cause' (like they want to move in or do major renovations), they MUST pay you one month's rent for relocation assistance.
04.
Exceptions: This law does not apply to housing built in the last 15 years, single-family homes (if the owner isn't a corporation), and dorms.

Penalties

01.
Rent increases above the cap are void, and tenants can sue to recover the overpayment.
02.
Evictions that violate the 'just cause' rules can be thrown out in court, and landlords may face civil penalties.

Verified Citations

California Civil Code Section 1946.2 & 1947.12

Source

"After a tenant has continuously and lawfully occupied a residential real property for 12 months, the owner of the residential real property shall not terminate the tenancy without just cause..."