Can a California landlord raise rent at any time?
No. A California landlord cannot raise rent during a fixed-term lease (unless the lease itself provides for it). On a month-to-month tenancy or after a fixed term expires, the landlord may raise rent with the required advance written notice. California requires 30 days notice for rent increases of 10% or less and 90 days notice for increases above 10%. AB 1482 caps annual increases at the lower of 5% + local CPI or 10% flat, with exemptions for natural-person single-family owners and buildings under 15 years old. Any increase served without the correct notice period, or that exceeds the applicable cap, is void.
Source: Cal. Civ. Code 827(b)
This is an informational answer based on Cal. Civ. Code 827(b) as of early 2026. It is not legal advice. Housing law changes year to year and local ordinances (especially in rent-controlled or rent-stabilized cities) can override or add to state law. For contested cases, consult a California-licensed attorney.