Since San Diego doesn't have citywide rent control, California's AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act) is the primary protection for renters. This law caps rent increases and provides eviction protections for most tenants. Here's what you need to know.
The Basics
- Rent Cap: 5% + local CPI per year (max 10% total)
- Eviction Protection: Just Cause required after 12 months
- Applies To: Most buildings 15+ years old
- Effective: January 1, 2020 – January 1, 2030
What Is AB 1482?
AB 1482, also known as the California Tenant Protection Act, went into effect on January 1, 2020. It provides two main protections:
- Rent Cap: Limits annual rent increases to 5% plus local Consumer Price Index (CPI), with a maximum of 10% total
- Just Cause Eviction: Requires landlords to have a valid reason to evict tenants who have lived in the unit for 12+ months
Does AB 1482 Apply to My Apartment?
AB 1482 applies to most rental housing in California, but there are important exemptions:
Buildings That ARE Covered
- Apartments and multi-family buildings 15+ years old
- Single-family homes owned by corporations or LLCs
- Condos owned by corporations or LLCs
- Units where you've lived 12+ months
Buildings That Are EXEMPT
AB 1482 Does NOT Apply To:
- • Buildings less than 15 years old (built after 2011 as of 2026)
- • Single-family homes owned by individuals (with proper notice)
- • Owner-occupied duplexes
- • Affordable housing/deed-restricted units
- • Dorms, school housing
- • Mobile homes on land you don't rent
- • Units already covered by local rent control
How the Rent Cap Works
The rent cap limits annual increases to 5% + local CPI, with a maximum of 10% total. Here's how it works in San Diego:
Example Calculation
Current rent: $2,000/month
San Diego CPI: ~4% (varies by year)
Maximum increase: 5% + 4% = 9%
New maximum rent: $2,180/month
If CPI is 6%, the cap would be 10% (the maximum), not 11%.
Important Notes About Rent Increases
- Landlords must give 30 days notice for increases under 10%, 90 days for 10%+
- Only two increases per 12-month period are allowed
- Increases cannot exceed the cap even if split into multiple increases
- The cap applies to the lowest rent charged in the last 12 months
Just Cause Eviction Protections
After you've lived in a unit for 12 months, your landlord needs a valid reason ("just cause") to evict you. This protection prevents landlords from evicting good tenants just to raise rent.
At-Fault Just Cause (No Relocation Required)
- Failure to pay rent
- Breach of lease terms
- Nuisance or criminal activity
- Refusing access for repairs
- Subletting without permission
No-Fault Just Cause (Relocation Assistance Required)
- Owner or close family member moving in
- Withdrawing unit from rental market
- Government order to vacate
- Substantial renovations (must be uninhabitable)
For no-fault evictions, landlords must provide relocation assistance equal to one month's rent OR waive the final month's rent.
What If Your Landlord Violates AB 1482?
- Document everything: Keep copies of rent increase notices, lease, and communications
- Know your rights: Calculate whether the increase exceeds the cap
- Notify your landlord: Send a written letter citing AB 1482
- File a complaint: Contact California Department of Consumer Affairs
- Seek legal help: Contact Legal Aid Society of San Diego (877) 534-2524