Rent Control in Berkeley

Last updated: January 2026

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

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Key Takeaways

  • Coverage: Units with certificate of occupancy before June 30, 1980 are fully covered. Limited exceptions for Section 8. Landlords cannot raise rent during first 2 years of tenancy.
  • Rent Increase Cap: 2.1% for January 2025 - December 2025 (65% of CPI, max 7%). Rent can only increase once per 12 months.
  • Just Cause Protection: Required under Berkeley Rent Stabilization for all covered units.
  • Local Help: Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board administers the ordinance.

1. Overview of Rent Control in Berkeley

The City of Berkeley has a comprehensive Rent Stabilization and Eviction for Just Cause Ordinance, established in 1980, that provides rent stabilization and just-cause eviction protections for many residential rental units. The ordinance is administered by the Berkeley Rent Board.

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 Berkeley'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 Berkeley Rent Board and the Berkeley Municipal Code. It is not legal advice.

2. Who Is Covered by Rent Control in Berkeley?

Berkeley's rent control ordinance has different levels of coverage:

Fully Covered Units: These units have rent ceilings, meaning landlords can only increase rent by the Annual General Adjustment (AGA) set by the Rent Board. Tenants in these units are also protected by "just cause" eviction provisions. Fully covered units include:

  • Most multi-unit properties built before June 1980
  • Single-family homes where the tenant moved in before January 1, 1996

Partially Covered Units: While these units do not have rent ceilings, they are still subject to "just cause" eviction protections. This category includes:

  • Newer constructions (built on or after June 1980)
  • Certain single-family homes where the tenant moved in on or after January 1, 1996

Exempt Units: Some units are exempt from both rent ceilings and eviction protections, such as:

  • Owner-occupied units where the owner shares kitchen or bath facilities with the tenant
  • Certain institutional housing

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

Landlords cannot raise the rent for the rest of the year in which the tenancy started, and for one additional calendar year. For example, if a tenancy starts on March 1, 2026, the landlord cannot raise the rent for the rest of 2026, or in 2027. The landlord may take the first AGA rent increase in 2028 with proper notice.

No matter when a tenancy started, a landlord cannot take the AGA if:

  • The landlord has not fully paid Rent Board registration fees
  • There is an order from the Rent Board denying AGAs (generally due to a decrease in services or substandard conditions)
  • There are serious repair problems or outstanding housing code violations
  • The landlord has failed to pay interest on the security deposit for the unit

In order to dispute a landlord's eligibility to apply an AGA, the tenant(s) must file a Rent Board petition. The hearing examiner will decide whether the landlord may use the AGA to raise the rent.

4. Just Cause Eviction Protections

For units covered by Berkeley's rent control ordinance (both fully and partially covered), 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
  • 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 additional protections and restrictions.

5. Using RentCheckMe with Official Resources

By combining our automated check with trusted resources like the Berkeley Rent Board and the Berkeley 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 Board 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.

6. Resources for Berkeley Tenants

7. Important Disclaimer

This article is intended as a readable, high‑level overview of rent control in Berkeley, drawn from public resources like the Berkeley Rent Board and the Berkeley 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 (such as when you moved in, for single-family homes). For binding guidance about your rights or obligations, speak with the Berkeley Rent Board, a qualified attorney, or a tenant‑counseling organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Berkeley have its own rent control ordinance?

Yes, Berkeley 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 Berkeley?

For units covered by Berkeley'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 Berkeley?

Tenants in Berkeley 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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