California housing law
AB 1482 — California Tenant Protection Act of 2019
California's statewide rent-cap and just-cause-eviction law — it limits annual rent increases and requires a valid reason to end most tenancies.
Key points
AB 1482, the California Tenant Protection Act of 2019, is a statewide law that does two main things for most rental housing: it caps how much rent can increase each year and it requires a landlord to have "just cause" to end a tenancy. It is codified primarily at Civil Code § 1947.12 (the rent cap) and § 1946.2 (just cause).
AB 1482 is separate from — and weaker than — local rent control ordinances, which can be stricter. Whether a specific unit is covered depends on its age, type and ownership, which is exactly the kind of question GoCodebook answers for a given address.
What AB 1482 does
AB 1482 limits annual rent increases to 5% plus the local Consumer Price Index (CPI), with a hard cap of 10%, whichever is lower, in any 12-month period. Increases above that are not enforceable for covered units.
After a tenant has occupied a unit for 12 months, the landlord must state a just cause to terminate — either at-fault (e.g., non-payment, lease violation) or no-fault (e.g., owner move-in, withdrawal under the Ellis Act, substantial remodel). No-fault terminations generally require relocation assistance equal to one month's rent.
Who is exempt from AB 1482
Common exemptions include housing issued a certificate of occupancy within the last 15 years (a rolling date), single-family homes and condos not owned by a corporation or REIT (when the required written notice is given), owner-occupied duplexes, and units already covered by stricter local rent control under the Costa-Hawkins Act.
Because the exemptions hinge on build date, ownership and notice, two similar-looking units on the same block can be treated differently. GoCodebook checks the property facts and the applicable rule for you.
AB 1482 after SB 567 (2024)
The SB 567 (Homelessness Prevention Act) amendments, effective April 1, 2024, tightened the no-fault rules — narrowing owner move-in and "substantial remodel" terminations, adding documentation requirements and stronger penalties for violations.
These changes make compliance more fact-specific, which is where a cited, plain-English answer helps before serving a notice or signing a lease.
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
How much can rent be increased under AB 1482?
For covered units, no more than 5% + the local CPI, capped at 10% total, in a 12-month period.
What properties are exempt from AB 1482?
Generally: housing less than 15 years old (rolling), single-family homes and condos not owned by a corporation/REIT with proper notice, owner-occupied duplexes, and units under stricter local rent control. See Costa-Hawkins.
What is just cause under AB 1482?
After 12 months, a landlord needs an at-fault reason (e.g., non-payment) or a no-fault reason (e.g., owner move-in, Ellis Act withdrawal, substantial remodel). No-fault usually requires relocation assistance. See just-cause eviction.
Is AB 1482 the same as rent control?
No. AB 1482 is a statewide rent cap; local rent control ordinances can be stricter and apply different rules.
Did SB 567 change AB 1482?
Yes — SB 567 (effective April 2024) tightened no-fault eviction rules and added penalties.
Is this property covered by AB 1482?
Ask GoCodebook about any California rental and get a cited answer on rent caps, exemptions and just-cause rules.
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