Rent Control in Hayward

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 July 1, 1979 are covered. Single-unit properties exempt under state law.
Rent Increase Cap: 5% maximum per 12-month period. Landlords can bank increases (total max 10% in any year).
Just Cause Protection: Required under Hayward Residential Rent Stabilization Ordinance.
Local Help: City of Hayward Housing Division handles rent stabilization.

1. Overview of Rent Control in Hayward

The City of Hayward has a Residential Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RRSO) that provides rent stabilization and tenant protection for many residential rental units. The ordinance is administered by the City of Hayward's Rent Review Office.

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 Hayward'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 City of Hayward's landlord rental resources and the Hayward Municipal Code. It is not legal advice.

2. Who Is Covered by Rent Control in Hayward?

Hayward's Residential Rent Stabilization Ordinance applies to housing units that were built before July 1, 1979. However, there are several important exceptions:

Single-unit properties – Rental properties consisting of only one unit are exempt due to state law (Costa Hawkins). However, these units may still be protected under California's statewide Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482).
Owner-occupied properties – Properties where the owner lives and has a legal accessory dwelling unit (such as a converted garage) are exempt.
Affordable housing units – Units with rent restrictions imposed by other government agencies are exempt.
Institutional housing – Hospitals, care facilities, convalescent homes, and transitional housing are exempt.
Short-term accommodations – Motels, hotels, inns, and boarding houses are exempt.
Non-profit cooperatives – Non-profit cooperative units owned or occupied by most of the owners are exempt.

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

For units covered by Hayward's rent stabilization ordinance, landlords can increase rent in several ways:

Annual rent increase – Up to 5% of the tenant's current rent per year.
Banked rent increases – If a landlord chooses not to take the full annual increase in a given year, they can "bank" the unused portion. Banked increases, inclusive of the annual rent increase, can total up to 10% of the tenant's current rent in a single year.
Capital improvements – Landlords can pass through costs for capital improvements (major building upgrades), inclusive of the annual rent increase, up to 10% of the tenant's current rent per year. Capital improvements must be approved through the rent review process.
Fair return rent increase – Landlords can petition for a rent increase necessary to cover their costs and get a fair return on their investment. This is determined through the rent review process.
Vacancy increases – After a non-voluntary vacancy (eviction), landlords can increase rent up to 5% of the previous tenant's rent. After a voluntary vacancy (tenant moves out on their own), landlords can set rent without limitations.

Landlords must provide proper written notice before implementing a rent increase:

30-day notice for rent increases of 10% or less
90-day notice for increases of more than 10%

4. Just Cause Eviction Protections

Landlords must have a valid legal reason to evict tenants who have lived in the unit for 12 months or more.

5. Using RentCheckMe with Official Resources

By combining our automated check with trusted resources like the City of Hayward's Rent Review Office and the Hayward 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 Review Office or consult with a tenant counselor or attorney—they can help you interpret how the Rent Stabilization Ordinance and state law apply to your specific tenancy.

6. Resources for Hayward Tenants

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

7. Important Disclaimer

This article is intended as a readable, high‑level overview of rent control in Hayward, drawn from public resources like the City of Hayward's Rent Review Office and the Hayward 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 City of Hayward's Rent Review Office (contact: housing@hayward-ca.gov or (510) 583-4454), a qualified attorney, or a tenant‑counseling organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Hayward have its own rent control ordinance?

Yes, Hayward 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 Hayward?

For units covered by Hayward'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 Hayward?

Tenants in Hayward 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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