Rent Control in Richmond

Last updated: January 2026

Richmond has strong local rent control through the Fair Rent, Just Cause for Eviction, and Homeowner Protection Ordinance, administered by the Richmond Rent Program.

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

Key Takeaways

  • Coverage: Multi-unit properties (2+ units on one parcel) built before February 1, 1995 are covered. Single-family homes and condos are exempt.
  • Rent Increase Cap: 1.62% Annual General Adjustment (AGA) effective September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2026. Landlords can bank unused increases but cannot exceed 3% above AGA in any year.
  • Just Cause Protection: Required under the Richmond Fair Rent Ordinance for all covered units.
  • Local Help: Richmond Rent Program administers the ordinance, handles petitions, and sets annual rent adjustments.

1. Overview of Rent Control in Richmond

The City of Richmond has the Fair Rent, Just Cause for Eviction, and Homeowner Protection Ordinance, which provides rent stabilization and tenant protection for many residential rental units.

The ordinance is administered by the Richmond Rent Program, which:

  • Sets the Annual General Adjustment (AGA) each year
  • Handles rent adjustment petitions from tenants and landlords
  • Enforces just-cause eviction protections
  • Maintains a registry of all rental properties

This article provides an overview of Richmond's rent control rules based on the California Attorney General's guide to local rent laws and Richmond's municipal code. It is not legal advice.

2. Who Is Covered by Rent Control in Richmond?

Richmond's rent control ordinance applies to properties with more than one dwelling unit on a single parcel that were constructed before February 1, 1995.

Covered properties include:

  • Duplexes, triplexes, and larger apartment buildings built before February 1995
  • Multi-unit properties regardless of current ownership structure

Exempt properties include:

  • Single-family homes (separately titled)
  • Condominiums (separately titled)
  • Properties built after February 1, 1995 (may still be covered by state AB 1482)
  • Government-subsidized housing with other rent restrictions

All rental properties must be enrolled with the Richmond Rent Program. You can verify your building's status through the Rent Program.

3. Maximum Allowable Rent Increases

Richmond uses an Annual General Adjustment (AGA) system, where the Rent Board sets the maximum allowable rent increase each year.

Current Rent Increase Cap: The AGA for September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2026 is 1.62%.

Key Rules:

  • Only one rent increase per 12-month period is allowed
  • Landlords must provide proper written notice before any increase
  • Banking increases: Landlords can save ("bank") unused AGA increases for future years, but cannot impose more than an additional 3% beyond the current AGA in any single year
  • Landlords can petition the Rent Board for increases above the AGA if they can demonstrate financial hardship or need for capital improvements

Tenant Petitions: Tenants can petition for rent reductions if they believe:

  • The rent exceeds the maximum allowable rent
  • Housing services have been reduced
  • The unit has habitability issues

4. Just Cause Eviction Protections

Richmond's ordinance provides strong just cause eviction protections. Landlords can only evict tenants for specific legal reasons.

At-fault just cause reasons include:

  • Non-payment of rent
  • Breach of lease terms
  • Nuisance or illegal activity
  • Refusal to allow reasonable access for repairs

No-fault just cause reasons include:

  • Owner move-in (with specific requirements and limitations)
  • Withdrawal of the unit from the rental market (Ellis Act)
  • Substantial renovation requiring vacancy

For no-fault evictions, landlords must provide relocation assistance to displaced tenants.

5. Using RentCheckMe with Official Resources

To check your building's rent control status in Richmond:

  • Use RentCheckMe to get an automated assessment based on construction year and property type
  • Contact the Richmond Rent Program directly to verify enrollment status
  • Check your property's registration with the Rent Program database

The Richmond Rent Program can help you understand your rights and the specific rules that apply to your tenancy.

6. Resources for Richmond Tenants

7. Important Disclaimer

This article is intended as a readable, high‑level overview of rent control in Richmond, drawn from public resources like the Richmond Rent Program and the Richmond 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 Richmond Rent Program (phone: (510) 234-RENT (7368)), a qualified attorney, or a tenant‑counseling organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current rent increase cap in Richmond?

The Annual General Adjustment (AGA) for September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2026 is 1.62%. Landlords can bank unused increases from prior years but cannot add more than 3% above the current AGA in any single year.

Is my Richmond apartment covered by rent control?

Your unit is likely covered if it is in a building with 2+ units on one parcel that was built before February 1, 1995. Single-family homes and condos are generally exempt from local rent control but may be covered by state AB 1482.

How do I file a complaint about an illegal rent increase in Richmond?

Contact the Richmond Rent Program to file a petition. They handle rent adjustment petitions from both tenants and landlords and can help resolve disputes about allowable rent increases.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason in Richmond?

No. Richmond requires just cause for eviction. Landlords must have a valid legal reason (like non-payment of rent or owner move-in) and follow proper procedures. For no-fault evictions, landlords must provide relocation assistance.

Other Cities in California

Learn about rent control in other cities in California:

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

© RentCheckMe. All rights reserved. Design: HTML5 UP.