California AB 1482: Tenant Protection Act
A complete guide for landlords on just cause eviction requirements, rent caps, and exemptions under California's statewide tenant protection law.
Key Points for Landlords
- Just Cause Required: After 12 months of tenancy, you must have a legally valid reason to evict
- Rent Cap: Annual increases limited to 5% + local CPI (max 10%)
- Relocation Assistance: Required for no-fault evictions (one month's rent)
- Exemption Notice: Even exempt properties must provide written notice to tenants
What is AB 1482?
Assembly Bill 1482, also known as the Tenant Protection Act of 2019, is California's statewide rent control and just cause eviction law. Effective January 1, 2020, it applies to most residential rental properties in California and creates two primary protections for tenants:
Just Cause Eviction
Landlords must have a legally specified reason to terminate tenancy after 12 months of occupancy (or 24 months for all occupants combined).
Rent Cap
Annual rent increases are limited to 5% plus the local Consumer Price Index (CPI), with a maximum of 10% per year.
At-Fault Just Cause Reasons
At-fault evictions are based on tenant conduct or lease violations. No relocation assistance is required for at-fault evictions.
Non-payment of rent
Tenant has failed to pay rent within the time allowed by law after receiving proper notice
Breach of lease terms
Material violation of the lease agreement that hasn't been cured after notice
Nuisance
Committing waste, nuisance, or using the property for unlawful purposes
Criminal activity
Criminal activity on the property or activity that threatens health/safety
Failure to sign lease renewal
Refusing to sign a new lease with substantially similar terms
Illegal subletting
Subletting or assigning the unit without landlord permission when prohibited
Refusing access
Refusing to allow landlord lawful access to the property
Unauthorized occupants
Unapproved additional occupants after denial of written request
No-Fault Just Cause Reasons
No-fault evictions are not based on tenant conduct. Relocation assistance is required for all no-fault evictions.
Owner move-in
Owner or close family member intends to occupy the unit as primary residence
Withdrawal from rental market
Removing the unit from the rental market under Ellis Act
Government/court order
Order to vacate due to code violations, condemnation, or other legal order
Substantial remodel
Intent to demolish or substantially remodel the unit (permits required)
Relocation Assistance Amount
For no-fault evictions, landlords must provide relocation assistance equal to one month's rent. This can be provided as:
- Direct payment to the tenant, or
- Waiver of the final month's rent
Exempt Properties
Certain properties are exempt from AB 1482's just cause requirements. However, landlords must still provide written notice of exemption to tenants.
Single-family homes
Not owned by corporation, REIT, or LLC with corporate member; proper notice of exemption provided to tenant
Condos and townhomes
Same ownership restrictions as single-family homes; proper notice required
New construction
Certificate of occupancy issued within past 15 years
Owner-occupied duplexes
Owner occupies one unit as primary residence
ADUs and JADUs
Built within past 15 years; not owned by corporation/REIT
Affordable housing
Subject to deed restrictions with government agencies
Dormitories
Owned and operated by higher education institutions
Important: Notice Requirement
Even if your property is exempt, you must provide written notice to tenants stating the property is exempt from AB 1482. Failure to provide this notice means the just cause requirements apply regardless of exemption status.
Rent Cap Under AB 1482
AB 1482 limits annual rent increases to 5% plus the local Consumer Price Index (CPI), with an absolute maximum of 10%. Key points:
Calculating the Cap
Find your local CPI at the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Add 5% to this figure. The result is your maximum allowable increase, up to 10%.
Timing
No more than two rent increases in any 12-month period. Proper notice (30 or 60 days depending on increase amount) is still required.
Notice Requirements
Eviction Notices
AB 1482-covered eviction notices must include:
- The specific just cause reason for termination
- Facts supporting that reason
- For no-fault evictions: amount and method of relocation assistance
- Reference to California Civil Code Section 1946.2
Exemption Notices
For exempt properties, the notice must clearly state the property is not subject to AB 1482's rent cap and just cause provisions, and identify the specific exemption that applies.
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