US-CaliforniaWhat is the Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) and does it apply to me?
The Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) is California’s statewide rent cap and just-cause eviction law that applies to most rental units built more than 15 years ago — unless exempted. It likely applies to you if you rent a covered unit in California.
What the Law Says
The Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (Assembly Bill 1482) establishes statewide limits on rent increases and requires landlords to have 'just cause' to evict tenants in most residential rental units.
AB 1482 applies to most residential rental properties in California that are at least 15 years old. It does not apply to single-family homes or condos unless owned by a corporation or real estate investment trust (REIT), nor to housing built within the last 15 years (as of the date of the rent increase or notice to vacate).
Under the law, landlords may not increase rent by more than 5% plus the local Consumer Price Index (CPI) — capped at 10% total — over any 12-month period. For rent increases over 10%, landlords must give tenants 90 days’ written notice (instead of the usual 30 or 60 days).
AB 1482 also prohibits no-fault evictions unless the landlord meets specific just-cause reasons — such as nonpayment, breach of lease, or intent to move in a family member — and requires relocation assistance for certain no-fault terminations.
Statutory TextNotwithstanding any other law, a landlord shall not increase the gross rental rate for a dwelling unit by more than the lesser of (A) five percent (5%) plus the percentage change in the cost of living, or (B) ten percent (10%).
— Civil Code § 1946.2(b)(1) — Rent Cap
Statutory TextA landlord may not terminate a tenancy without just cause… after the tenant has occupied the property for 12 months.
— Civil Code § 1946.2(a)(1) — Just-Cause Requirement
Statutory TextThis section shall not apply to a dwelling unit that was issued a certificate of occupancy within the previous 15 years.
— Civil Code § 1946.2(e)(1) — New Construction Exemption
What to Do
Check your building’s certificate of occupancy date — if issued less than 15 years ago, AB 1482 likely does not apply.
Review your lease and recent rent notices — if your rent increased more than 5% + CPI (but ≤10%) in 12 months, it’s likely lawful; over 10% requires 90 days’ notice.
If served with a no-fault eviction notice (e.g., owner move-in or withdrawal from rental market), confirm it complies with Civil Code § 1946.2’s just-cause list and timeline.
If you believe your landlord violated AB 1482, contact your local rent board (if your city has one) or consult a legal aid organization.
Keep copies of all rent receipts, notices, and communications — they may be critical if you need to challenge a violation.
Sources
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: 2026-06-08.