A Brief History of Rent Control Campaigns in California

California has a long and active history of rent control and rent stabilization campaigns that have aimed to protect renters from sudden rent increases and unfair evictions. Over the decades, both local communities and the state government have introduced key tenant protections in response to residents’ needs and changing housing markets. Understanding this history can help renters know their rights and the laws that support stable housing in California today.

What Is Rent Control in California?

Rent control refers to local or state rules that limit how much landlords can raise the rent and provide protections against eviction. In California, some cities have stronger rent control, while the statewide rent cap offers basic protections throughout California. These protections come from years of advocacy by tenants, community organizations, and policymakers.

Key Moments in California’s Rent Control Movement

The push for rent control has included important milestones and new legislation that have shaped tenant protections:

• 1970s–1980s: Cities like Berkeley, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, and San Francisco launched local rent control ordinances in response to rising rents and tight housing markets. These local boards, such as the San Francisco Rent Board, enforce rent rules for their cities.
• 1995 – Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act: This statewide law set certain limits on local rent control. For example, it exempted single-family homes and new buildings (built after February 1995) from local rent caps and allowed landlords to set rent to market rates between tenancies.
• 2019 – The Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482): This landmark statewide law introduced rent increase limits and “just cause” eviction rules. Most California renters in buildings older than 15 years are now protected from rent hikes above about 5% plus inflation per year. See more details at the official California Tenant Guide.
• Ongoing campaigns: Groups continue to advocate for stronger local policies and are working to expand rent control protections to more cities and tenants statewide.

Current Rent Control Laws in California

Several laws apply to rent control and tenant protections in California today. The most important are:

• California Civil Code §§ 1946.2, 1947.12, and 1947.13 (Tenant Protection Act): Sets annual rent caps and eviction rules.
• Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act: Limits the scope of local rent control.

Some California cities have their own rent control ordinances managed by agencies such as the Los Angeles Housing Department and Santa Monica Rent Control Board. If you live in one of these cities, you may have additional rights and processes for rent increases and eviction protection.

Where Do Renters Go When They Need Help?

For state-level disputes or questions, renters can contact the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Local rent boards often handle disputes or rent increase complaints in cities with ordinances. For example, the San Francisco Rent Board manages rent rules for the city of San Francisco.

Relevant Official Forms for California Renters

• Petition for Rent Adjustment (San Francisco Rent Board)
  Form #RBO-1
  

  When to use: If your landlord raises the rent above allowable amounts or you think your rent increase is unlawful. Example: Your rent in a San Francisco apartment was raised by 12% in a year. You can file this petition to contest the increase.

  Download Petition for Rent Adjustment (Form RBO-1) from the San Francisco Rent Board
• Request for Rent Rollback (Los Angeles Housing Department)
  No standardized form number (use online system)
  

  When to use: If a landlord has charged more rent than allowed under the Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance. Example: After a new rent control rule takes effect, your rent exceeds what is legally permitted. File a request online for rent rollback through LAHD.

  Learn how to file a rent overcharge complaint with the Los Angeles Housing Department
• State Complaint: California Tenant Complaint Form
  No official statewide form; complaints are submitted via agency portal or letter
  

  When to use: For reporting alleged violations of the Tenant Protection Act or habitability problems not handled locally. Example: Your landlord refuses to make legally required repairs, and your city does not have a local board.

  California Department of Housing Complaint Portal

How Can Renters Use These Protections?

If you receive a rent increase or eviction notice and believe it is not allowed under your local or state law, you can:

• Contact your local rent board for advice and complaint procedures
• Fill out relevant petitions or complaint forms for your city or the state
• Keep all written notices and communications with your landlord

Renters are encouraged to act quickly, as there may be strict deadlines for challenging rent increases or evictions.

FAQ: Rent Control in California

1. Which California cities have rent control?
   Major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland, and Santa Monica have active rent control ordinances. Many other large and medium-sized cities also offer rent stabilization boards or protections. Check your city’s website for details.
2. How much can my landlord increase my rent under state law?
   Under the Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482), most increases are limited to 5% plus the local rate of inflation, not exceeding 10% total in a year. Some buildings and types of homes may be exempt, so always check your eligibility.
3. What should I do if I think a rent increase is illegal?
   Contact your local rent board or housing department. File a petition or complaint if you have documents showing your rent was increased above the legal limit or without proper notice.
4. What official board handles rent control disputes in California?
   The responsible agency varies by city, but at the state level, contact the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Major cities have rent boards such as the San Francisco Rent Board or Los Angeles Housing Department.
5. What is the Costa-Hawkins Act?
   The Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act is a California law that limits how cities can apply rent control. It exempts new construction and certain other properties from local rent caps.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) – Statewide information and complaint resources
• Santa Monica Rent Control Board – Local support for Santa Monica renters
• Los Angeles Housing Department – Rent stabilization resources for LA tenants
• San Francisco Rent Board – Dispute resolution, petitions, and information for San Francisco
• California Tenant Guide – Rental rules and guide for all California residents

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1. [1] California Civil Code Sections 1946.2, 1947.12, and 1947.13
2. [2] Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act
3. [3] California Department of Housing and Community Development: Tenant Guide
4. [4] San Francisco Rent Board: Forms and Filing Petitions
5. [5] Los Angeles Housing Department: File a Complaint

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