What is the maximum rent increase?

How the answer differs across 2 jurisdictions

GermanyFull article
The Short Answer

In Germany, rent can generally be increased by no more than 20% within three years — or 15% in areas with acute housing shortages — and only if the current rent has remained unchanged for at least 15 months.

20%
Maximum allowable rent increase within 3 years (Kappungsgrenze)
15%
Reduced cap in housing shortage areas
15 months
Minimum time rent must remain unchanged before increase
1 year
Minimum interval between successive rent increases
US-CaliforniaFull article
The Short Answer

In California, most rent-controlled units are subject to a maximum annual rent increase of 5% plus CPI (but never more than 10%), while non-controlled units have no statewide cap—except for the 90-day notice requirement for increases over 10%.

5% + CPI
Annual cap
10% max
Absolute limit
30 days
Notice <10%
90 days
Notice ≥10%

Read Full Articles

GermanyWhat is the maximum legal rent increase in Germany?US-CaliforniaWhat is the maximum rent increase allowed under California law?

Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: June 2026.