California’s Tenant Protection Act of 2019, commonly known as AB 1482, is one of the most impactful landlord-tenant laws in the state. It established statewide rent caps and just cause eviction requirements that apply to many residential rental properties, regardless of city or county.
While AB 1482 has been in effect for several years, many property owners still misunderstand how it works, which properties are covered, and where common compliance mistakes happen. Because penalties for violations can be significant, understanding this law is essential for anyone who owns or manages rental property in California.
Below, we break down how AB 1482 works, who it applies to, and what property owners must do to stay compliant.
Key Takeaways
AB 1482 applies statewide and limits rent increases on many California rental properties
The law also requires just cause for most tenant evictions after 12 months of occupancy
Not all properties are covered, but exemptions must be properly disclosed
Local rent control laws may impose stricter rules than AB 1482
Ongoing compliance requires careful documentation and legal awareness
What Is California’s Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482)?
AB 1482 is a statewide tenant protection law that went into effect on January 1, 2020. The law introduced two major regulations for covered rental properties:
A cap on annual rent increases
Just cause eviction requirements for tenants who have lived in a unit for at least 12 months
Unlike local rent control ordinances, AB 1482 applies across California, including in cities and counties that do not have their own rent control laws. However, it does not override stricter local regulations where they exist.
Rent Increase Limits Under AB 1482
One of the most well-known aspects of AB 1482 is its statewide rent cap.
How Much Can Rent Be Increased?
For covered properties, annual rent increases are limited to:
5% plus the local Consumer Price Index (CPI), or
10% total, whichever is lower
The CPI used is based on the regional CPI for the area where the property is located.
How Often Can Rent Be Raised?
Rent can generally be increased no more than twice in a 12-month period
The total increase across those adjustments cannot exceed the legal cap
What Counts as Rent?
AB 1482 defines rent broadly. In many cases, housing services and mandatory fees tied to tenancy may be considered part of rent when determining compliance.
Just Cause Eviction Requirements
AB 1482 also limits when and why tenants can be evicted once they have established tenancy.
When Does Just Cause Apply?
Just cause protections apply when:
A tenant has occupied the unit for 12 months or more, or
At least one tenant in the household has lived in the unit for 24 months or more
Once this threshold is met, landlords must have a legally valid reason to terminate tenancy.
At-Fault vs. No-Fault Just Cause
AB 1482 divides just cause into two categories.
At-fault just cause includes situations such as:
Nonpayment of rent
Lease violations
Nuisance or illegal activity
Refusal to sign a similar lease renewal
No-fault just cause includes:
Owner move-in
Withdrawal of the unit from the rental market
Government orders requiring vacancy
Demolition or substantial remodel
For most no-fault evictions, landlords must provide relocation assistance equal to one month’s rent or waive the final month’s rent.
Which Properties Are Covered by AB 1482?
AB 1482 applies to many, but not all, residential rental properties in California.
Commonly Covered Properties
Multi-family apartment buildings
Older single-family rentals owned by corporations, LLCs, or REITs
Duplexes where the owner does not occupy one unit
Common Exemptions
Some properties are exempt, including:
Single-family homes owned by an individual (not a corporation or LLC)
Owner-occupied duplexes
New construction (typically properties built within the last 15 years)
Certain government-subsidized housing
Disclosure Is Critical
Even when a property is exempt, landlords must provide proper written notice to tenants stating that the unit is not subject to AB 1482. Failing to provide this notice can result in the property being treated as covered under the law.
How AB 1482 Interacts With Local Rent Control Laws
AB 1482 does not replace local rent control ordinances. In cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, and others, local laws may:
Impose lower rent caps
Limit rent increases more frequently
Add additional eviction protections
When local laws are stricter than AB 1482, the stricter law applies. Property owners must comply with both state and local regulations.
Common Compliance Mistakes Property Owners Make
AB 1482 violations often happen unintentionally. Some of the most common issues include:
Applying rent increases that exceed the allowable cap
Misclassifying an exempt property without proper notice
Issuing eviction notices without valid just cause
Failing to provide relocation assistance when required
Ignoring local ordinances that impose additional restrictions
Because the law is detailed and penalties can include tenant lawsuits, rent refunds, and invalid evictions, many property owners choose to work with professionals who stay current on California landlord-tenant law.
Frequently Asked Questions about California’s Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482)
Does AB 1482 apply to all rental properties in California?
No. While AB 1482 applies broadly statewide, certain properties are exempt. However, exemptions must be properly disclosed to tenants in writing.
Can landlords raise rent by 10% every year under AB 1482?
Not necessarily. The allowable increase is 5% plus CPI or 10%, whichever is lower. In many areas, the cap is less than 10%.
Does AB 1482 prevent all evictions?
No. It requires just cause for eviction after a tenant has established tenancy, but lawful evictions are still allowed when proper procedures are followed.
Do local rent control laws override AB 1482?
Local laws do not override AB 1482, but stricter local regulations take precedence when they provide greater tenant protections.
What happens if a landlord violates AB 1482?
Violations can lead to legal disputes, financial penalties, invalid rent increases, and court challenges to evictions.
Staying Compliant With AB 1482 in California
AB 1482 is one of the most important landlord laws in California because it applies statewide and affects both rent increases and evictions. Staying compliant requires more than a basic understanding of the law. Property owners must also track CPI changes, maintain proper documentation, and stay aware of evolving local regulations.
At Advantage Property Management Services, we help property owners navigate California’s complex landlord-tenant laws, including AB 1482, while protecting their investments and minimizing legal risk. If you want professional guidance on rent compliance, eviction rules, or full-service property management, we’re here to help you manage your rental the right way.
Additional Resources
The 2026 California Landlord Law Update: A Practical Guide for Rental Owners
Why Transparent Rental Pricing Matters More Than Ever for California Landlords
Landlord Tips: When and How to Send an Adverse Action Letter in California
