California Tenant Protection Act of 2019
Know Your Rights as a Renter—Even If You Don’t Live in a Rent-Controlled City
If you’re a renter in California, you may have heard the term “rent control.”
Rent control laws are designed to limit how much a landlord can raise your rent each year. These laws exist to protect tenants from sudden, unaffordable rent increases that can force them out of their homes.
But here’s the catch: Not every city has rent control.
Cities like San Francisco, Oakland, and Los Angeles have local rent control laws—
but many parts of California don’t.
That’s where the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 comes in.
Also known as AB 1482, this statewide law extends rent control-style protections to millions of renters, even in cities without local rent control.
It gives you two key rights:
- Limits on Rent Increases.
- Just Cause Requirements for Eviction.
Let’s break down what this law means for you.
How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent for Tenants Covered by the Tenant Protection Act?
If your rental unit is covered by this law, your landlord can’t raise your rent by more than:
● 5% of your current rent, plus the annual change in the Consumer Price Index (as in, the cost of living in your area), or 10% total—whichever is lower, within any 12-month period.
This helps stop sudden, extreme rent hikes that can push tenants out of their homes.
When Can a Landlord Evict Tenants Covered by the Tenant Protection Act?
The law also says that landlords must have a valid legal reason—known as “just cause”—to evict you.
There are two categories:
Examples include:
- ● Not paying rent
- ● Causing damage to the property
- ● Breaking the lease terms
- ● Committing illegal activity
- ● Refusing to let the landlord in for repairs.
You can still be evicted legally if your landlord:
- ● Wants to move in (or have a close family member move in)
- ● Is permanently taking the unit off the rental market
- ● Needs to make substantial renovations or is demolishing the unit
- ● Is complying with a court or government order
Even in these cases, the landlord must follow strict legal procedures and, for no-fault just cause, must provide relocation assistance, as follows:
- ● A rent waiver for the last month, or
- ● A payment equal to one month’s rent.
Is My Rental Covered by the California Tenant Protection Act?
Not every rental unit is covered. Some common exceptions include:
- ● Newer buildings (with a Certificate of Occupancy issued less than 15 years ago),
- ● Single-family homes (but only under certain circumstances)
- ● Owner-occupied duplexes
- ● Certain affordable housing units or government-subsidized rentals
- ● Dorms, hotels, and shared housing situations
To individually qualify for coverage, a tenant must have lived in the unit for at least 12 months— or a preexisting co-tenant for at least 24 months.
What to Do If Your Landlord Violates AB 1482 or Tries to Evict You Illegally?
If your landlord raises the rent illegally or tries to evict you without just cause, you have legal options:
You can take them to small claims court to recover any overpaid rent. For a full breakdown of how Small Claims Court works, read our helpful guide here.
You can use the law as a defense in an eviction case.
You might even be able to sue for wrongful eviction, and in some cases, receive additional damages—especially if you’re elderly or disabled.
We’re Here to Help
If you’re dealing with an unjustified eviction, Tenant Law Group is here to protect your rights.
We’ve helped tenants across California hold negligent landlords accountable and recover financial compensation for the harm they’ve endured.
Don’t wait. Contact us today to find out how we can help you fight back and get the justice you deserve.
Where Can I Get Legal Help as a Tenant in California?
If you’re a California tenant and Tenant Law Group is unable to represent you, the following legal aid and advocacy organizations can assist.
Disclaimer: This page provides general information about landlord-tenant laws in California and is not intended as legal advice. We encourage you to consult with a qualified tenant attorney or local tenant advocacy organization for guidance specific to your situation.
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