Rent Control in Santa Clara

Last updated: January 2026

Protected by California's AB 1482 tenant protections.

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Key Takeaways

  • Coverage: Most rental properties built before 2010 are covered by AB 1482.
  • Rent Increase Cap: 5% + CPI or 10%, whichever is lower (applies after 12 months of tenancy).
  • Just Cause Protection: Required for tenants with 12+ months of tenancy.

1. Overview of Rent Control in Santa Clara

As a Bay Area city, Santa Clara is part of a region where AB 1482 provides essential protections for renters facing high housing costs. While Santa Clara does not have its own local rent control ordinance, many rental properties in the city are protected under California's statewide Tenant Protection Act of 2019, commonly known as AB 1482.

AB 1482 provides important tenant protections including:

  • Rent increase caps – Annual rent increases are generally limited to 5% plus inflation (CPI), or 10%, whichever is lower
  • Just cause eviction protections – Landlords must have a valid reason to evict tenants who have lived in a unit for 12 months or more
  • Relocation assistance – In some cases, tenants may be entitled to relocation payments if evicted for certain reasons

This article provides an overview of how AB 1482 applies to rental properties in Santa Clara. It is based on public resources and is not legal advice. For specific questions about your tenancy, consult with a qualified attorney or tenant counseling organization.

2. Who Is Covered by Rent Control in Santa Clara?

Tenants in Santa Clara are protected by AB 1482 if they live in properties built more than 15 years ago and have resided in their unit for at least 12 months. This means most rental properties in the city are subject to rent increase caps and just cause eviction requirements.

  • Property age – Properties built more than 15 years ago (as of the current year) are generally covered. This means properties built before approximately 2010 are covered in 2026.
  • Property type – Most residential rental units are covered, including apartments, single-family homes, condos, and townhouses when used as rental properties
  • Tenancy duration – Rent increase caps apply to tenants who have lived in the unit for at least 12 months

Key Exemptions:

  • Newer construction – Properties built within the last 15 years are exempt from rent increase caps (though they may still have just cause eviction protections)
  • Single-family homes and condos – These are exempt if the landlord is a natural person (not a corporation) and owns no more than two single-family homes or condos
  • Owner-occupied properties – Duplexes where the owner occupies one unit are exempt
  • Affordable housing – Properties already subject to other rent control or affordable housing restrictions may be exempt
  • Short-term rentals – Properties rented for less than 30 days are exempt

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

3. Maximum Allowable Rent Increases

The rent increase cap in Santa Clara is calculated as 5% plus the annual change in the Consumer Price Index, with a maximum limit of 10%. This means if inflation is 3%, the cap is 8%; if inflation is 7%, the cap remains at 10%.

How the cap works:

  • The base cap is 5% per year
  • This can be increased by the percentage change in CPI (inflation), but the total cannot exceed 10%
  • The cap applies to tenants who have lived in the unit for at least 12 months
  • Rent increases can only occur once per 12-month period

Example: If CPI increased by 3% in a given year, the maximum rent increase would be 5% + 3% = 8%. If CPI increased by 7%, the maximum would still be capped at 10% (the overall limit).

Important: These caps apply to the base rent. Landlords cannot circumvent the cap by adding fees or charges that effectively increase rent beyond the limit.

4. Just Cause Eviction Protections

Under California's Tenant Protection Act, landlords in Santa Clara cannot evict tenants who have lived in their unit for 12 months or more without just cause. This protection applies to most rental properties built before 2010.

At-fault just cause reasons (tenant is at fault):

  • Non-payment of rent
  • Breach of lease terms
  • Nuisance or illegal activity
  • Damage to the property
  • Refusal to allow the landlord reasonable access
  • Using the property for an unlawful purpose

No-fault just cause reasons (tenant is not at fault):

  • Owner move-in (landlord or their family member will occupy the unit)
  • Withdrawal of the property from the rental market
  • Substantial renovation (requires permits and may require relocation assistance)
  • Compliance with government orders

Relocation Assistance: For no-fault evictions, landlords may be required to provide relocation assistance equal to one month's rent, or the tenant's actual moving costs, whichever is greater. This applies to tenants who have lived in the unit for at least 12 months.

5. Using RentCheckMe with Official Resources

To determine whether your rental property in Santa Clara is covered by AB 1482, you can:

  • Use RentCheckMe's address checker to get an automated assessment based on your building's construction year and property type
  • Check your lease agreement and rental history to understand your tenancy terms
  • Review your property's building permits or records to determine the construction year
  • Contact your local housing authority or tenant counseling organization for guidance

Remember that AB 1482 coverage depends on multiple factors, and automated tools provide estimates, not definitive legal determinations.

6. Resources for Santa Clara Tenants

7. Important Disclaimer

This article is intended as a readable, high‑level overview of how California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) applies to rental properties in Santa Clara. 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, including your lease terms, the property type, ownership structure, and other factors. For binding guidance about your rights or obligations, speak with a qualified attorney or tenant counseling organization.

RentCheckMe provides automated estimates based on publicly available data. Always verify information with official sources and consult with legal professionals for advice specific to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Santa Clara have rent control?

Santa Clara does not have its own local rent control ordinance. However, many rental properties are protected under California's statewide Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482), which provides rent increase caps and just cause eviction protections.

How much can my landlord raise rent in Santa Clara?

Under AB 1482, landlords in Santa Clara are generally limited to annual rent increases of 5% plus the change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), or 10%, whichever is lower. This cap applies to tenants who have lived in the unit for at least 12 months.

Are single-family homes covered by AB 1482 in Santa Clara?

Single-family homes and condos are generally exempt from AB 1482's rent increase caps if the landlord is a natural person (not a corporation) and owns no more than two such properties. However, they may still have just cause eviction protections.

Other Cities in California

Learn about rent control in other cities in California:

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