Master list of California rent caps: Updated fixed and variable rates for 2026

For millions of renters across California, the statewide rent cap (5% plus inflation) is not the final word on how much housing costs can rise. Instead, many tenants are protected by specific local ordinances that are often stronger, stricter, and more complex than the state baseline.

These local regulations typically fall into two categories:

1. Fixed Caps: A hard percentage limit (e.g., "3%") that rarely changes.
2. Variable Caps: A formula based on inflation (CPI) that changes annually or monthly.

The list below provides a directory of cities with their own independent rent stabilization laws effective as of February 2026. Details on each city are provided below the table.

Fixed Percentage Caps (The "Hard" Limits)

The following cities have ordinances that set a strict, static maximum percentage for rent increases. Unlike state law, which fluctuates with inflation, these caps generally remain constant unless the city council votes to change the ordinance itself.

Baldwin Park

• 2026 Cap: 3.0%
• Details: Effective January 17, 2026, the city restricted the maximum allowable rent increase to 3.0%.
• Exemptions: Single-family homes, condos, and buildings constructed after January 1, 1995 are generally exempt.

Hayward

• Cap: 5%
• Details: For units with certificates of occupancy issued before July 1, 1979, rent increases are capped at 5% per year.
• Banking: Landlords can sometimes "bank" missed increases to use later, but the total increase in any single year cannot exceed 10%.

Pomona

• 2026 Cap: 5%
• Details: Under the new ordinance effective January 1, 2026, residential rent increases are strictly limited to 5% per year.
• Key Change: This is a hard cap. Previously, Pomona relied more heavily on mediation, but the new ordinance (No. 4359) replaced those measures with this strict limit.

San Jose

• Cap: 5%
• Details: Applies to buildings with 3 or more units built before September 7, 1979.
• Frequency: Only one increase is allowed in any 12-month period.

Santa Ana

• Cap: 3% (Maximum)
• Details: The allowable increase is calculated as 80% of the change in CPI, but it is strictly capped at a maximum of 3%.
• Current Rate: As of September 2025, the calculated rate was 2.42%, which is below the 3% cap.

Ventura County (Ojai & Oxnard)

• Cap: 4%
• Details: Both Ojai and Oxnard limit rent increases to a maximum of 4% once every 12 months.
• Exemptions: In Oxnard, duplexes where the owner lives in one of the units are exempt.

Variable CPI-Based Caps (Check Your Dates)

Most rent control cities in California do not use a fixed number. Instead, they use a formula based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). These rates change annually, and the dates they take effect vary by city.

Alameda (City)

• Current Rate: 1%
• Effective Dates: Valid through August 31, 2026.
• The Formula: One increase per year allowed, calculated at 70% of the change in CPI. However, the city has a "floor" of 1% and a "ceiling" of 5%.

Antioch

• Current Rate: 1.80%
• Effective Dates: Valid from November 14, 2025 to March 11, 2026.
• The Formula: Antioch recalculates its allowable increase frequently. The current rate is based on 60% of the CPI change.

Berkeley

• The Formula: 65% of the change in CPI.
• Status: The previous rate of 2.1% expired in late 2025. Because Berkeley's fiscal year cycles can be complex, tenants should check the Rent Stabilization Board website for the specific 2026 figure.

Los Angeles (City)

• Current Rate: 3%
• Effective Dates: Valid through June 30, 2026.
• Details: This applies to units with certificates of occupancy issued before October 1, 1978. If the landlord pays for gas and electric utilities, the allowable increase may be slightly higher.

Oakland

• Current Rate: 0.8%
• Effective Dates: Valid through July 31, 2026.
• The Formula: 60% of the change in CPI, capped at 3%.
• Banking: Landlords can "bank" increases, but cannot impose a total increase more than 3 times the current allowable rate in a single year.

Sacramento

• Current Rate: 7.7%
• Effective Dates: Valid through June 30, 2026.
• The Formula: 5% plus the change in CPI, capped at 10%.

San Francisco

• Current Rate: 1.4% (Note: Expires Feb 28, 2026).
• Status: San Francisco's rate changes every March 1st. The 1.4% rate listed here is valid only until the end of February 2026. A new rate will take effect immediately after.
• The Formula: 60% of the change in CPI.

Santa Monica

• Current Rate: 2.3%
• Effective Dates: Valid through August 31, 2026.
• The Formula: 75% of the change in CPI, capped at 3%.

West Hollywood

• Current Rate: 2.25%
• Effective Dates: Valid through August 31, 2026.
• The Formula: 75% of the change in CPI.

Cities in Transition

Some cities are currently in legal or legislative flux. If you live in these areas, the rules may change before the end of the year.

Salinas

• Status: Active (Pending Repeal Vote)
• Details: In late 2025, the Salinas City Council voted to place a repeal of the rent stabilization ordinance on the ballot. However, the vote will not happen until November 3, 2026. Until that election occurs, the rent stabilization and tenant protection ordinances remain in full effect.
• Fees: Landlords must continue to pay the registration fee ($112/unit) for 2026.

Top Takeaway: Verify Before You Pay

While this list covers the major jurisdictions in California, local ordinances can be amended, repealed, or updated with little public fanfare.

If you received a rent increase notice that exceeds the numbers listed above:

1. Check the Date: Ensure the rate you are looking at covers the month your increase takes effect.
2. Check for Exemptions: Review our companion guide on Exceptions & Exemptions to see if your building type (e.g., new construction or single-family home) is excluded from these caps.
3. Contact the City: Most cities listed here have a dedicated Rent Stabilization Board or Housing Division. They can provide the definitive calculation for your specific unit.

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