Does the new California rental increase law apply to me?

If you are a tenant in California, you may be wondering if the new rental increase law applies to you. The answer is simple: the new law applies to most residential rental properties in California.

The new California rental increase law, Assembly Bill 1482, was signed into law in October 2019 and went into effect on January 1, 2020. This law limits the amount that landlords can raise rents in a given year and provides eviction protections for many tenants.

FAQs

1. What types of rental properties are covered under the new law?

The new law applies to most residential rental properties in California, including single-family homes, condos, and apartments that have been rented out for more than 12 months.

2. Are there any exemptions to the new law?

Yes, certain types of rental properties are exempt from the new law, including properties that are less than 15 years old, certain single-family homes and condos, and properties that are already subject to local rent control laws.

3. How much can landlords raise rents under the new law?

Under the new law, landlords can only raise rents by a maximum of 5% plus the local rate of inflation each year.

4. When can landlords raise rents under the new law?

Landlords can only raise rents once every 12 months under the new law. They must also provide tenants with at least 30 days’ notice before increasing rent.

5. Are there any restrictions on evictions under the new law?

Yes, the new law provides eviction protections for many tenants, including just-cause eviction protections for tenants who have been living in a property for more than 12 months.

6. Can landlords still evict tenants for non-payment of rent under the new law?

Landlords can still evict tenants for non-payment of rent under the new law, but they must give tenants an opportunity to pay back rent within a certain timeframe.

7. Can landlords evict tenants for other reasons under the new law?

Landlords can only evict tenants for just-cause reasons under the new law, such as violating the terms of the lease or engaging in criminal activity.

8. How does the new law affect existing rental agreements?

The new law does not retroactively apply to existing rental agreements. However, once a rental agreement is up for renewal, landlords must comply with the new law.

9. Can landlords raise rents more than the allowable amount if they make improvements to the property?

Landlords can petition for an exemption to the rent increase cap if they make substantial improvements to the property that warrant a higher rent increase.

10. Can tenants challenge rent increases under the new law?

Tenants can challenge rent increases that they believe are in violation of the new law by filing a complaint with the local housing authority.

11. What should tenants do if they believe their landlord is violating the new law?

If tenants believe their landlord is violating the new law, they should first try to resolve the issue directly with their landlord. If that fails, tenants can seek legal advice or contact their local housing authority for assistance.

12. Are short-term rentals like Airbnb properties covered under the new law?

Short-term rentals like Airbnb properties are not covered under the new law, as it specifically applies to residential rental properties that are rented out for more than 30 days at a time.

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