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For 2026, Berkeley's Annual General Adjustment (AGA) is 1.0%. That is the maximum a landlord may raise rent on a unit covered by Berkeley's Rent Stabilization Ordinance. The figure equals 65% of the Bay Area CPI increase, takes effect no earlier than January 1, 2026, and requires at least 30 days' written notice.
Berkeley's 2026 rent rules
- 2026 AGA: 1.0% — the maximum annual increase for covered (fully rent-controlled) units.
- Coverage: the Rent Stabilization Ordinance applies to most multi-unit rentals first occupied before 1980; single-family homes and condos are generally limited by AB 1482 instead.
- Notice: at least 30 days in writing; an increase can be taken only once in a 12-month period.
Units not under the AGA
Newer construction and most single-family homes/condos are governed by California's AB 1482 (5% + CPI, max 10%) rather than Berkeley's AGA. Confirm your unit's status before applying any increase.
Check your Berkeley unit
Use the RentCheckMe address checker to see whether your unit is fully rent-controlled (AGA applies) or governed by AB 1482.
Official sources
Full guide: Rent Control in Berkeley →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can my rent go up in Berkeley in 2026?
For units under Berkeley's Rent Stabilization Ordinance, the 2026 Annual General Adjustment is 1.0% — the maximum annual increase, effective no earlier than January 1, 2026, with 30 days' notice.
What is Berkeley's AGA?
The Annual General Adjustment is the percentage by which landlords of covered units may raise rent each year. It equals 65% of the Bay Area CPI increase; for 2026 it is 1.0%.
Does the 1.0% AGA apply to my single-family home in Berkeley?
Usually not — single-family homes and condos are typically governed by California's AB 1482 (5% + CPI, max 10%) instead of Berkeley's AGA.
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