California Tenant Protection Act
Statewide rent cap and just cause protections
The California Tenant Protection Act, also known as the TPA or AB 1482, is a state law that provides rent cap and eviction protections for many California renters.
Note: This page provides general information and is not legal advice. For help with a specific housing situation, contact the Housing Rights Center or a qualified legal services provider.
Note: Properties not covered by the TPA may still be subject to local rent control or eviction protection laws. The TPA does not limit local laws when those laws provide more protection for tenants. A tenant may not waive their rights under the TPA, and any agreement requiring a tenant to do so is not enforceable.
Properties covered by the TPA
In general, the TPA applies to many residential rental properties in California, including:
- Multifamily properties with three or more units that are more than 15 years old
- Duplexes that are not occupied by the owner
- Single-family homes and condominiums owned by corporations, real estate investment trusts or LLCs with at least one corporate member
Tenants in units covered by the TPA must receive written notice from their landlord explaining the rent cap and just cause eviction protections.
Rent increases for covered properties
- Rent increases may not exceed the annual maximum allowed under state law. The limit is adjusted every August and cannot exceed 5% plus the local Consumer Price Index, or 10%, whichever is lower.
- For Los Angeles County, the maximum rent increase is 8% from Aug. 1, 2025 to July 31, 2026.
- Rent may be increased more than once during a 12-month period, but the total increase must remain within the annual limit.
- Rent increases are based on the gross rental rate, which does not include discounts from the landlord, such as a free first month of rent. Discounts must be listed in the lease.
Properties not covered by the TPA
Some properties are not covered by the TPA, including:
- Properties built within the last 15 years
- Owner-occupied duplexes, as defined by state law
- Homes covered by a local rent control ordinance that provides stronger protections
- Affordable housing, hotels and dorms
- Single-family homes and condominiums owned by individuals or families, if the landlord has provided the required written exemption notice
Important: Landlords must give tenants written notice if they are claiming the single-family home or condominium exemption. Without the required notice, the unit may not be exempt from the TPA.
Rent increase notice requirements
- For rent increases of 10% or less, landlords must generally provide at least 30 days’ written notice.
- For rent increases of more than 10%, landlords must generally provide at least 90 days’ written notice.
- Some cities and counties have local rent control ordinances that may provide additional protections.
- Because local rules vary, tenants should review the rules where they live or contact the Housing Rights Center for help.
Just cause eviction protections
The TPA prohibits landlords from evicting covered tenants without just cause, which means a legal reason for eviction described in state law.
To have just cause protections, a renter generally must have lived in the unit for at least one year. If another adult tenant moved in during the tenancy, at least one tenant must have lived in the unit for at least two years.
For certain alleged lease violations, landlords must provide tenants with a chance to cure, or fix, the issue. A notice to vacate must include the reason for eviction. If it does not, the notice may not be valid.
Just cause evictions fall into two categories: at-fault reasons and no-fault reasons.
At-fault reasons for eviction
At-fault reasons are based on something the renter has done or refused to do. These may include:
- Failing to pay rent
- Violating a material term of the lease
- Creating a nuisance
- Damaging the property
- Refusing to sign a lease extension or renewal with similar terms
- Criminal activity on the premises or criminal activity directed at the owner or the owner’s agent
- Subletting in violation of the lease
- Refusing to allow lawful entry under certain circumstances
- Using the property for unlawful activity
- Failing to move out after the renter is terminated as the landlord’s employee
- Failing to move out after the renter tells the landlord they are moving out
No-fault reasons for eviction
No-fault reasons are based on something the landlord wants or is required to do with the property. These may include:
- The owner or certain family members intend to move into the unit
- The owner is complying with a court order, government order or local law that requires the tenant to leave
- The owner is withdrawing the unit from the rental market
- The owner is demolishing or substantially remodeling the unit, and the work requires the tenant to vacate for at least 30 consecutive days
SB 567, which took effect April 1, 2024, added requirements for certain no-fault eviction reasons, including owner move-in and substantial remodel evictions. Contact the Housing Rights Center to learn more about your rights.
Relocation assistance for no-fault evictions
If the eviction is for a no-fault reason, the landlord must provide relocation assistance equal to one month’s rent or waive the final month’s rent. The eviction notice must inform the renter of their right to relocation assistance or a rent waiver. The landlord must provide the relocation payment no later than 15 days after giving the eviction notice.
Questions?
Contact the Housing Rights Center for free counseling:
Call 800-477-5977
TTY 213-201-0867
Email info@housingrightscenter.org
If you need help accessing this information in another format, contact Community Development at CD@lakewoodca.gov or call 562-866-9771, ext. 2340.