Rent Renewal: Know the Real Cap Before You Sign
Statewide rent control is relatively new in the US, and California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) is the most widely referenced example. For most covered units, landlords can raise rent by no more than 5% plus the local Consumer Price Index each year, with a hard ceiling of 10% total, whichever is lower. The confusion usually starts when CPI numbers change by city and by month, so the exact allowed percentage isn't a flat, memorable figure.
This calculator takes your current monthly rent and your local CPI figure, applies the 5%-plus-CPI formula capped at 10%, and shows the maximum new rent and the maximum dollar increase allowed. Landlords can use it to confirm they're not proposing an increase above the legal limit, and tenants can use it to check whether a renewal notice is within bounds before signing.
This tool models California's statewide AB 1482 formula specifically. Rent control rules vary enormously by state and city, some places have no caps at all while others, like New York City and Los Angeles, apply their own separate ordinances, and several property types are exempt from AB 1482 entirely. Always confirm the exact rule that applies to your specific unit and location before relying on this estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
California's Tenant Protection Act limits annual rent increases to 5% plus the local Consumer Price Index (CPI), up to a maximum of 10% per year, for most covered rental units.
No, rent control rules vary widely by state and city. Some states have no caps at all, while cities like New York and Los Angeles have their own separate rent stabilization ordinances. Always check your local rules.
No, several exemptions exist, including newer construction built within the last 15 years, single-family homes not owned by corporations or REITs, and some duplexes. Verify your unit's status with local housing authorities.