Owning rental property in California means staying ahead of a shifting legal landscape. With new regulations and updates to existing statutes, landlords who ignore the changes risk non-compliance, fines, or missed opportunities.
This guide breaks down key areas where owners must be aware of changes in California rental laws 2026, including rent increase caps, landlord disclosures, eviction notice requirements, and specific updates to the Los Angeles rental law changes 2026. The goal: help you remain compliant, reduce risk, and protect profitability.
Rent Increase Cap Rules
One of the most critical updates for property owners is the annual rent increase cap under the statewide law Assembly Bill 1482 (AB 1482). This law limits how much you can raise rent each year for covered units.
- For the period August 1, 2025 through July 31, 2026, the limit is roughly 5% plus the regional CPI (Consumer Price Index), or a maximum of 10%, whichever is lower.
- In Los Angeles County, the cap sits around 8% (5% base + ~3% CPI) for the same period.
- Some local rent-stabilization ordinances impose stricter limits that override the statewide cap.
What this means for you:
If your property is subject to AB 1482, calculate and document the allowed increase carefully. If it falls under a local ordinance, follow the stricter rule.
Tip:
Verify whether your property is under AB 1482 or a local law before issuing any increase and retain copies of CPI calculations and notices.
Updated Landlord Disclosure Requirements
California landlords must provide specific disclosures to tenants at lease signing and throughout tenancy. 2026 brings renewed attention to compliance and clarity.
Key disclosures include:
- Material condition or safety hazards (mold, structural defects, pest issues)
- Lead-based paint disclosure for pre-1978 properties
- Utility and RUBS cost-sharing notifications
- Ownership or exemption disclosure for single-family home landlords under AB 1482
- Local rent-control or registration documents
Action item:
Audit your lease templates and update them with all required 2026 disclosures. Failure to disclose properly can invalidate rent increases or exemptions.
Just-Cause Eviction & Notice Requirements
California’s “just-cause” eviction laws mean landlords must have a valid reason and use the correct notice format and timeline.
Common causes include:
- Non-payment of rent
- Breach of lease
- Owner or family occupancy
- Substantial rehabilitation or removal from market
Notice guidelines for 2026:
- 30-day notice for tenants under one year
- 60-day notice for tenants over one year
- Relocation assistance required in many no-fault cases
Best practice:
Use standardized forms approved for 2026, confirm local compliance, and document delivery of every notice.
Los Angeles Rental Law Changes 2026
Landlords in Los Angeles face additional rent and eviction rules layered on top of state law.
City of Los Angeles (LARSO)
- Rent increases capped at 3% for July 2025 – June 2026
- Applies to multifamily buildings built before October 1978
- Annual rent registration required
Los Angeles County (RSTPO)
- Applies to unincorporated areas
- Maximum allowable increase about 1.93% for July 2025 – June 2026
- Just-cause and relocation standards enforced
Tip:
Create a simple matrix of your properties with jurisdiction, ordinance, last increase date, and cap percentage. Always apply the most restrictive rule to avoid violations.
Practical Compliance Steps for 2026
- Audit your portfolio — Identify which law (state or local) applies
- Update your leases — Include 2026 disclosures and AB 1482 language
- Calculate rent increases carefully — Follow the 5% + CPI (≤10%) limit
- Track renewal cycles — Only one increase per 12 months
- Document all actions — Notices, CPI data, tenant acknowledgments
- Monitor changes — Check housing department updates each quarter
- Partner with experts — Work with a property management company that tracks California’s evolving rental regulations in real time.
Why Staying Compliant Matters
Ignoring California rental laws 2026 can lead to:
- Rent rollbacks and refund penalties
- Costly legal disputes over improper notices
- Tenant claims for missing disclosures
- Delayed turnovers and lost income
Staying proactive ensures:
- Steady cash flow
- Fewer tenant disputes
- Long-term asset protection
- Confidence in your portfolio growth
California’s rental landscape continues to evolve, and 2026 brings critical updates every landlord should understand. By staying informed about rent caps, disclosure rules, and eviction requirements, you can protect your income and operate with confidence.
At Beach Front Property Management (BFPM), our team specializes in helping owners across California and Los Angeles stay compliant, efficient, and profitable. We monitor legislation, manage documentation, and safeguard your investment through full-service management and compliance oversight.
Ready to simplify compliance and maximize returns in 2026? Feel free to schedule a 15-minute consultation call with Beach Front Property Management experts.
Trevor Henson
Trevor Henson is an experienced entrepreneur (10+ highly-successful start-ups) and property investor with a demonstrated history of building and leading teams in investment property management environments, maximizing returns for property owners, and optimizing properties through construction management and re-positioning. He…Learn more about how we can help. Customized solutions for large portfolios!