Is there a rent cap in California?
Yes. Cal. Civ. Code 1947.12 (AB 1482) caps annual rent increases at the lower of 5% plus local CPI (3.5% default in our calculator) or 10% flat. Exemptions include Single-family homes or condos owned by a natural person (or LLC whose members are all natural persons post-AB 414), with written notice to tenant, Buildings with certificate of occupancy issued within the last 15 years (rolling exemption), Deed-restricted affordable housing. Local rent-stabilized cities may have stricter caps that override the state rule.
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.