The California Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482) is a statewide rent control and tenant protection law that went into effect on January 1, 2020. It places limits on rent increases, requires just cause for evictions, and provides relocation assistance in certain cases. The law is in effect until January 1, 2030.
Under AB 1482, annual rent increases are limited to:
* 5% of the current rent + the local inflation rate (CPI).
* Never more than **10% total in a 12-month period.
This applies to most multi-family rental properties that are more than 15 years old.
After a tenant has lived in a unit for 12 months or more, landlords must have a valid reason (just cause) to end the tenancy.
Examples include:
* Nonpayment of rent
* Breach of lease terms
* Nuisance or criminal activity
* Owner or family member moving into the unit
* Substantial renovations or permanent removal of the property from the rental market
If a tenant is evicted for a no-fault” reason (such as owner move-in or renovations), landlords must provide relocation assistance equal to one month’s rent.
Not all properties are covered by AB 1482.
Exemptions include:
* Single-family homes and condominiums, if owned by individuals (not corporations, REITs, or LLCs with corporate members) **and** the tenant is given written notice of exemption.
* Newly built properties (less than 15 years old).
* Affordable housing and other government-subsidized housing.
The law was designed to provide renters with stability in California’s high-cost housing market while balancing landlord rights. Both tenants and property owners should understand their rights and responsibilities under this law.
Important Note: This is a general summary for informational purposes only. For legal advice on specific situations, consult with a qualified attorney or housing professional.
Does AB 1482 apply to single-family homes?
AB 1482 generally does not apply to single-family homes or condominiums if the property is owned by an individual (not a corporation, REIT, or LLC with corporate members) and the tenant has been given written notice that the unit is exempt.
Are newly built apartments covered by AB 1482?
No. Properties that were built within the last 15 years are exempt from AB 1482’s rent cap and just cause eviction rules.
How much can a landlord raise the rent under AB 1482?
Rent increases are capped at 5% of the current rent plus the local inflation rate (CPI), but never more than 10% in any 12-month period.
What is considered “just cause” for eviction in California?
After 12 months of tenancy, landlords must have a valid reason to end the lease. Just cause reasons include nonpayment of rent, lease violations, nuisance behavior, owner or family member move-in, or major renovations.
What relocation assistance is required under AB 1482?
If a tenant is evicted for a “no-fault” reason (like owner move-in or substantial renovations), the landlord must provide one month’s rent as relocation assistance.
When does AB 1482 expire?
The law is effective from January 1, 2020, through January 1, 2030.
How does AB 1482 affect tenants in Los Angeles?
AB 1482 applies to most multi-family rental properties in Los Angeles that are more than 15 years old. It provides a statewide rent cap and just cause eviction protections, even for units not covered under the City of Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO).
Is AB 1482 the same as Los Angeles rent control?
No. Los Angeles has its own Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO), which covers many apartments built before 1978. AB 1482 is a state law that applies to properties not already under stricter local rent control. If a unit is covered by the RSO, those rules take priority.
Do landlords in Los Angeles still have to provide relocation assistance under AB 1482?
Yes. If a tenant in Los Angeles is evicted for a no-fault reason under AB 1482, landlords must provide relocation assistance equal to one month’s rent. However, if the property is covered by the Los Angeles RSO, the relocation assistance amounts may be higher.
How can Los Angeles tenants check if AB 1482 applies to their rental?
Tenants should review their lease and ask their landlord whether the property is exempt (such as a single-family home or newly built unit). They can also contact the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) for guidance.
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