Rent Control in Alameda

Last updated: January 2026

Local rent control plus California's AB 1482 tenant protections.

Want to skip straight to checking your own building? Use the RentCheckMe address checker.

Key Takeaways

Coverage: Multi-unit properties (2+ units on a legal lot) built before February 1995 are covered. Not applicable to Section 8 voucher holders.
Rent Increase Cap: 1% Annual General Adjustment effective September 2025 (70% of CPI, max 5%, min 1%). Landlords can bank increases but max +3% above AGA per year.
Just Cause Protection: Required under the Alameda Rent Control Ordinance for all covered units.
Local Help: City of Alameda Rent Program administers the ordinance.

1. Overview of Rent Control in Alameda

The City of Alameda has a comprehensive Rent Control Ordinance that provides rent stabilization and just-cause eviction protections for many residential rental units. The ordinance is administered by the Alameda Rent Program.

Since January 1, 2020, California's statewide rent law (often called state rent control or AB 1482) also protects many units that are not covered by Alameda's local ordinance. For those units, annual rent increases are generally capped at 5% + inflation (CPI), or 10%, whichever is lower, for tenants who have lived in the unit for at least 12 months.

This article is a high‑level guide based on public resources such as the Alameda Rent Program FAQs and the Alameda Municipal Code. It is not legal advice.

2. Who Is Covered by Rent Control in Alameda?

Alameda's rent control ordinance applies to residential rental units in multi-unit properties (two or more units on a legal lot) that were built before February 1995.

Unlike some other California cities (such as San Francisco), Alameda does not automatically exempt single-family homes or condominiums from rent control. The key factor is whether the property has 2 or more units on a legal lot, regardless of whether those units are in a single building or separate structures.

Tools like RentCheckMe can help you check whether your building is likely covered based on its construction year and number of units.

3. Maximum Allowable Rent Increases

Under AB 1482, annual rent increases are capped at 5% + CPI or 10%, whichever is lower.

4. Just Cause Eviction Protections

For units covered by Alameda's rent control ordinance, landlords can only evict tenants for specific "just causes" listed in the ordinance. These include:

Non-payment of rent
Substantial breach of the rental agreement
Nuisance or illegal activity
Owner move-in (with specific requirements and restrictions)
Withdrawal of the unit from the rental market (Ellis Act)
Demolition or substantial rehabilitation (with proper permits and notices)

Some just causes are considered "no-fault" (the tenant did nothing wrong), such as owner move-in or withdrawal from the rental market. No-fault evictions may trigger relocation payment requirements, discussed below.

5. Local Rules and Special Protections

Even in Alameda, not every rental unit has full local rent control. Common exceptions include:

Newer construction – Units with a certificate of occupancy issued on or after February 1, 1995. Note: Since we only have year-level data, properties built in 1995 may be covered if built in January 1995, but we cannot determine this without month-level information.
Single-unit properties – Properties with only one residential unit on a legal lot are generally not covered by Alameda's local rent control ordinance, though they may still be protected under California's statewide Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482).
Temporary tenancies – Dwelling units rented or leased to transient guests for 30 consecutive days or less are fully exempt from the Rent Ordinance.
Owner-occupied temporary tenancies – Homeowners who temporarily rent their primary residence (for example, due to work relocation or travel) may qualify for a temporary tenancy exemption if specific requirements are met, including that the tenancy does not exceed 12 months (or 5 years for military assignments) and the owner moves back in within 60 days.

Even when local rent control does not apply, California's statewide rent law may still limit rent increases and require just cause for eviction. Always check both local and state rules.

6. Using RentCheckMe with Official Resources

By combining our automated check with trusted resources like the Alameda Rent Program and the Alameda Municipal Code, you can get both a quick snapshot and deeper, individualized help for your situation.

After you run an address through RentCheckMe, consider saving the result and bringing it with you if you contact the Rent Program or consult with a tenant counselor or attorney—they can help you interpret how the Rent Ordinance and state law apply to your specific tenancy.

7. Resources for Alameda Tenants

California Department of Consumer Affairs – Statewide tenant rights information
Housing Rights Center – Education and advocacy for tenants throughout California

8. Important Disclaimer

This article is intended as a readable, high‑level overview of rent control in Alameda, drawn from public resources like the Alameda Rent Program and the Alameda Municipal Code. It does not cover every exception or nuance and does not constitute legal advice.

Laws change, and how they apply can depend on the specific facts of your tenancy. For binding guidance about your rights or obligations, speak with the Alameda Rent Program, a qualified attorney, or a tenant‑counseling organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Alameda have its own rent control ordinance?

Yes, Alameda has a local rent control ordinance that provides protections beyond California's statewide AB 1482. The local ordinance typically covers more properties and may have stricter rent increase limits.

How much can my landlord raise rent in Alameda?

For units covered by Alameda's local ordinance, rent increases are limited by the local rules (often based on CPI). For units only covered by AB 1482, the cap is 5% + CPI or 10%, whichever is lower.

What protections do I have as a tenant in Alameda?

Tenants in Alameda may have just cause eviction protections under both the local ordinance and AB 1482, meaning landlords must have a valid legal reason to evict you after you've lived in the unit for a certain period.

Other Cities in California

Learn about rent control in other cities in California:

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