California AB 1482 Explained: Rent Caps & Just Cause Guide

Understanding California’s AB 1482: The Complete Guide to Rent Caps and Just Cause Rules

Let's start with the question "What is AB 1482"? California Assembly Bill 1482, formally known as the Tenant Protection Act of 2019, is a statewide law designed to protect residential tenants from sudden, extreme rent hikes and arbitrary evictions.

This bill took effect on January 1, 2020, AB 1482 applies across all 58 California counties. It serves as a regulatory baseline, meaning it protects renters who live in cities or unincorporated county areas that do not have their own local rent stabilization ordinances.

Under AB 1482, landlords of covered properties cannot increase rent over a 12-month period by more than 5% PLUS CPI and capped at 10%. Also, a landlord cannot increase the rent more than two times within any 12-month period, and the total increase across those 12 months cannot exceed the annual allowable cap. Plus, when a tenant voluntarily moves out or is lawfully evicted, the landlord can reset the rent to market rate for the new incoming tenant.

So what properties are covered under AB 1482? Multi-family apartment complexes built more than 15 years ago (on a rolling basis). Single-family homes and condominiums owned by a Corporation, REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust), or LLC where at least one member is a corporation.

What are some of the exemptions? New construction-residential properties issued a Certificate of Occupancy within the last 15 years. Properties owned directly by individual natural persons (or a family trust) IF the tenant was provided a mandatory written exemption disclosure in their lease agreement. A two-unit property where the owner occupies one of the units as their primary residence prior to the start of the tenancy. Single-family homes where the owner rents out no more than two bedrooms or an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on their primary residence parcel. But keep in mind, single-family home and condo owners are only exempt if they provided the required statutory disclosure notice under California Civil Code § 1946.2. If this notice was omitted from the lease, the home is treated as covered by state law.

AB 1482 also protects renters against arbitrary lease terminations once they have continuously occupied a unit for 12 months or longer. Landlords must state a legal "Just Cause" to terminate the lease. What are some just-cause evictions? These fall into two categories: AT-fault and No-Fault.

At-Fault Just Cause (No relocation assistance required)

• Non-payment of rent.

• Breach of a material lease term.

• Nuisance or illegal activity on the premises.

• Refusal to sign a written lease extension of similar terms.

No-Fault Just Cause (Requires 1 month's rent as relocation assistance)

• Owner Move-In: The owner (or their qualified family member) intends to occupy the home as their primary residence.

• Withdrawal from Market: Permanent withdrawal of the property from the rental market (e.g., Ellis Act).

• Substantial Remodeling / Demolition: Major structural work that renders the home uninhabitable for more than 30 days.

• Government Order: Direct compliance with a municipal habitability or vacation order.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What notice must a landlord give for a rent increase under AB 1482?

Under California Civil Code § 827, landlords must give a 30-day written notice for rent increases of 10% or less. For increases over 10% (which apply only to exempt properties), a 90-day written notice is required.

Does AB 1482 apply in cities that already have rent control?

If a local city or county has a rent control ordinance that is more restrictive than state law (such as the City of Los Angeles, Santa Monica, or San Francisco), the local law applies. AB 1482 acts as the rule only where local laws do not exist or are less protective.

Does AB 1482 apply to commercial properties or short-term rentals?

No. AB 1482 applies exclusively to long-term residential housing and does not apply to commercial properties or transient occupancies under 30 days.

Have Questions About Your Rental Property or Local Market?

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Elizabeth Alligood

"It's Always Good With Alligood"

Disclaimer: This article is intended solely for educational and informational purposes and does not constitute legal, tax, or formal financial advice. Real estate laws and local housing codes undergo frequent revisions. Consult a qualified California real estate attorney or property manager for legal guidance regarding your specific property.