What is the difference between rent stabilization and rent control in California?
Rent control sets specific maximum rents on specific units (often based on a base rent set decades ago, with limited annual increases). Rent stabilization caps annual increases by a percentage but does not freeze the rent itself. California has a statewide rent stabilization framework: Cal. Civ. Code 1947.12 (AB 1482). Some California cities (where applicable) have local rent-control or stabilization ordinances that override state default. The two regimes have different exemptions and procedures; check the specific local ordinance before assuming state-default rules apply.
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.