Rent Control in Oakland

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: Properties with certificate of occupancy before January 1, 1983 are covered. Single-family homes and condos are generally exempt.
Rent Increase Cap: 0.8% Annual General Adjustment for August 2025 - July 2026 (60% of CPI, max 3%). Landlords can bank increases but max 3x current AGA per year.
Just Cause Protection: Required under the Oakland Rent Adjustment Ordinance (RAO) for all covered units.
Local Help: Oakland Rent Adjustment Program administers the ordinance and handles petitions.

1. Overview of Rent Control in Oakland

The City of Oakland has a Rent Adjustment Ordinance (RAO) that provides rent stabilization and tenant protection for many residential rental units. The ordinance is administered by the Oakland Rent Adjustment Program (RAP).

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 Oakland'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 Oakland's Rent Adjustment Program and the Oakland Municipal Code. It is not legal advice.

2. Who Is Covered by Rent Control in Oakland?

Oakland's Rent Adjustment Ordinance applies to multifamily properties built before January 1, 1983. However, there are several important exceptions:

Single-family homes – Single-family homes are generally exempt from the ordinance, though they may still be protected under California's statewide Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482).
Condominiums – Condominiums are generally exempt from the ordinance, though they may still be protected under AB 1482.
Newer construction – Units constructed on or after January 1, 1983, are generally exempt from the ordinance, though they may still be protected under AB 1482.

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

Banking refers to deferred allowed annual rent increases. Annual rent increases that were not applied either fully or completely can be applied in future years.

Property owners may defer applying annual rent increases up to 10 years. Rent increases that were not imposed within 10 years expire. If challenged, evidence of the rental history of the subject unit is required.

Important limitation: Any single rent increase, including banked amounts, cannot exceed three times the current year's CPI. For example, if the current CPI is 0.8%, the maximum single rent increase (including banked amounts) would be 2.4%.

4. Just Cause Eviction Protections

Oakland's Rent Adjustment Ordinance includes just cause for eviction protections. Landlords can only evict tenants for specific legal reasons listed in the ordinance.

As of December 24, 2024, no-fault evictions (owner move-in or substantial repairs evictions) for owners who are delinquent on their business taxes are prohibited.

Property owners are required that with any no-fault eviction notice (owner or their family move-in or substantial repairs evictions), they provide a copy of the current Business Tax Certificate and a statement informing tenants of the limitations on evictions for property owners delinquent on business taxes.

5. Using RentCheckMe with Official Resources

By combining our automated check with trusted resources like the Oakland Rent Adjustment Program and the Oakland 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 Adjustment Program or consult with a tenant counselor or attorney—they can help you interpret how the Rent Adjustment Ordinance and state law apply to your specific tenancy.

6. Resources for Oakland 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 Oakland, drawn from public resources like the City of Oakland's Rent Adjustment Program and the Oakland 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 Oakland Rent Adjustment Program, a qualified attorney, or a tenant‑counseling organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Oakland have its own rent control ordinance?

Yes, Oakland 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 Oakland?

For units covered by Oakland'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 Oakland?

Tenants in Oakland 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:

Home | About | Contact | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service