Rent Control in Larkspur

Last updated: January 2026

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

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Key Takeaways

  • Coverage: Most rental units in multi-family properties.
  • Rent Increase Cap: 5% plus CPI, up to a maximum of 7% per 12-month period. Recalculated monthly based on most recent CPI.
  • Just Cause Protection: Required under Larkspur ordinance.
  • Local Help: City of Larkspur Planning Department.

1. Overview of Rent Control in Larkspur

The City of Larkspur has a Rent Stabilization Ordinance (Ordinance 1067, Chapter 6.20) and Tenant Protections Ordinance (Ordinance 1068, Chapter 6.30) that provide rent stabilization and tenant protection for residential rental units. These ordinances work in conjunction with state laws, including the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act and the California Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482).

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 Larkspur'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 Larkspur Eviction Protections and Rent Regulations and the Larkspur Municipal Code Chapter 6.20. It is not legal advice.

2. Who Is Covered by Rent Control in Larkspur?

Larkspur's Rent Stabilization Ordinance applies to residential rental units, subject to exemptions under the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act. The ordinance works with Costa-Hawkins, which exempts:

  • Single-family homes – Single-family homes are exempt from the ordinance under Costa-Hawkins, though they may still be protected under California's statewide Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482).
  • Condominiums – Condominiums are exempt from the ordinance under Costa-Hawkins, though they may still be protected under AB 1482.
  • Newer construction – Units built after February 1, 1995 are exempt from the ordinance under Costa-Hawkins, though they may still be protected under AB 1482. Note: Since we only have year-level data, properties built in 1995 may be covered if built before February 1, 1995, but we cannot determine this without month-level information.

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

3. Maximum Allowable Rent Increases

Larkspur's Rent Stabilization Ordinance limits rent increases in a 12-month period to 5%+CPI or 7%, whichever is lower.

How to calculate the current maximum:

  1. Find the latest 12-month CPI for the San Francisco Area (available from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
  2. Add that number to 5%
  3. If the resulting sum is less than 7%, that result is the largest allowable rent increase without submitting a fair rate of return application
  4. If the resulting sum is equal to or greater than 7%, the largest allowable rent increase without submitting an application is 7%

Fair Rate of Return Petition: To ensure a fair rate of return, the ordinance allows landlords to petition to increase rent to the maximum allowed by state law (up to 10% under AB 1482) through a Fair Rate of Return Application. This process involves submitting an application to the City Manager, providing financial documentation, and notifying tenants.

Key rules for rent increases:

  • Landlords must provide proper written notice before implementing a rent increase.
  • Rent increases are limited to once per 12-month period.
  • Tenants can dispute ineligible rent increases and other ordinance violations.

4. Just Cause Eviction Protections

Larkspur's Tenant Protections Ordinance (Chapter 6.30) includes just cause eviction protections that help prevent arbitrary evictions and ensure tenant stability. The ordinance restricts termination of tenancy without just cause.

The ordinance distinguishes between At-Fault and No-Fault just cause:

  • At-Fault Just Cause includes reasons such as nonpayment of rent, breach of lease, nuisance, illegal use of the property, and other tenant-caused issues.
  • No-Fault Just Cause includes reasons such as owner move-in, withdrawal of the rental unit from the market, substantial renovations, and other reasons not caused by the tenant.

Enhanced Protections for No-Fault Evictions:

  • Enhanced noticing requirements for certain no-fault evictions of households with specific vulnerabilities (such as elderly, disabled, or families with children)
  • Increased relocation assistance for no-fault evictions (beyond what is required by state law)
  • Right of return within 12 months for certain no-fault evictions, allowing tenants to return to the unit if it becomes available again

5. Using RentCheckMe with Official Resources

By combining our automated check with trusted resources like the City of Larkspur Eviction Protections and Rent Regulations and the Larkspur Municipal Code Chapter 6.20, you can get both a quick snapshot and deeper, individualized help for your situation.

After you run an address through RentCheckMe, consider:

  • Contacting ECHO Housing for education and information about Larkspur's rent stabilization and tenant protection ordinances (phone: 855-ASK-ECHO, email: LarkspurTPO@echofairhousing.org)
  • Contacting the City of Larkspur for information about the ordinances and compliance (phone: 415-927-5110)
  • Consulting with a qualified attorney or tenant counseling organization
  • Reviewing the Larkspur Municipal Code Chapter 6.20 (Rent Stabilization) and Chapter 6.30 (Just Cause Eviction and Tenant Protection)

6. Resources for Larkspur Tenants

7. Important Disclaimer

This article is intended as a readable, high‑level overview of rent control in Larkspur, drawn from public resources like the City of Larkspur Eviction Protections and Rent Regulations and the Larkspur Municipal Code Chapter 6.20. 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 ECHO Housing (phone: 855-ASK-ECHO, email: LarkspurTPO@echofairhousing.org), the City of Larkspur (phone: 415-927-5110), a qualified attorney, or a tenant‑counseling organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Larkspur have its own rent control ordinance?

Yes, Larkspur 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 Larkspur?

For units covered by Larkspur'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 Larkspur?

Tenants in Larkspur 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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