How to Raise Rent Legally in California: A  Landlord's Guide to AB 1482

Under California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482), covered rental units may generally be increased no more than twice in a 12-month period, and the combined increase cannot exceed 5% plus CPI, up to a maximum of 10%.

If you own rental property in Bakersfield or anywhere in California, understanding this formula, and knowing whether it even applies to your unit, is the difference between a smooth rent increase and a costly legal dispute.

What Is AB 1482 and Does It Apply to Your Property?

AB 1482 has been California's statewide rent cap law since it took effect on January 1, 2020. It isn't new legislation, but the allowable increase percentage changes every year based on updated CPI data, which is why landlords need to recheck the numbers annually before serving a rent increase notice.

Not every property is covered. Common exemptions include:

How Much Can You Raise Rent Under AB 1482?

The formula is straightforward: 5% plus the change in the regional Consumer Price Index (CPI), with an absolute ceiling of 10%, whichever is lower. The CPI figure used is typically the April-to-April change published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for your region, or the California CPI for counties without their own metro-area BLS index — which is currently the case for Kern County and Bakersfield.

That means your maximum allowable increase moves every year, and it can vary by region. For example, the Los Angeles metro area's cap for the period beginning August 1, 2026 is 8.7%, while the San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward area sits at 8.8%. The exact percentage should be confirmed each year against the current published rate before you serve any notice — don't rely on last year's number.

if your maximum allowable increase for the period is 8%, a $1,500/month unit could legally go up to $1,620/month ($1,500 × 1.08).

You're not required to take the full increase, but you cannot exceed it in any rolling 12-month period.

A quick example of the math:

Just Cause Eviction: The Other Half of AB 1482

AB 1482 isn't only about rent caps. Covered units also come with just cause eviction protections once a tenant has lived there 12 months (24 months if there's been a change in who's living there). That means ending a tenancy requires a qualifying reason — nonpayment, lease violation, or owner move-in, for example.

If you're issuing a no-fault termination, such as moving in yourself or doing a major renovation, state law generally requires relocation assistance equal to one month's rent (or a rent waiver of equivalent value), though additional local requirements may apply. This detail catches a lot of first-time landlords off guard.

A knowledgeable local tenant placement service doesn't just fill vacancies faster — it helps you keep your rent increases, notices, and lease terms aligned with California landlord-tenant law so you're not exposed to disputes down the road.

FAQs

Raising rent under AB 1482 in California

Ready to Take the Guesswork Out of Managing Your Rental?

Whether you're raising rent on an existing unit or filling a vacancy from scratch, getting the details right protects your investment. Valley Rental Guru helps Bakersfield and Central Valley landlords handle advertising, tenant screening, and lease coordination so you can raise rents with confidence and keep your properties filled with qualified tenants. Visit valleyrentalguru.com to get started today.

Or, fill out the form below and a member of our team will reach out to learn about your property and get the process started. It takes less than two minutes — and the right tenant could be in your rental sooner than you think.

This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance specific to your situation, consult a licensed California attorney.