California Rent Increase Notice

What California law says

• Civil Code 827(b)(2): 30 days notice if the increase is 10 percent or less in 12 months.
• Civil Code 827(b)(3)(A): 90 days notice if more than 10 percent.
• Longer notice required by other law or contract controls (827(c)).
• AG guide: cap is 5 percent plus cost of living change, max 10 percent; local rules may be lower.

Steps for a landlord

• Check whether the Tenant Protection Act applies.
• Compute the increase against the prior 12 months.
• Deliver 30 or 90 days written notice.
• Check local rent rules.

What to put in the notice

• The tenants' names and the rental address
• The current rent and the new rent
• The date the new rent starts, after the required notice period
• The date of the notice and how it was delivered
• Your name and signature

Things to watch

• Local rent control may be stricter.
• Check an attorney on exemptions.
• Cities and counties can add their own rules, including rent control and extra notice requirements. Check your local rules too.

About this page

We checked this page against the official sources listed below in November 2026. Where an official page did not say something, we say so. Laws change and courts read them differently, so confirm the current rule with the statute, the court or a local attorney before you act. This is general information, not legal advice.