How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in San Diego in 2026? (AB 1482 Explained)

Short answer: for properties covered by California's rent-cap law (AB 1482), the maximum increase in San Diego right now is 8.8%, good through July 31, 2026. But mark your calendar — the cap drops to 8.2% for the year starting August 1, 2026, and there's a common exemption that many single-family and condo owners are entitled to and never claim. Here's how it all works.

Heads up if you're planning an increase soon: the San Diego cap changes on August 1, 2026. Increases you issue notice for now, through July 31, 2026, are capped at 8.8%. Increases effective August 1, 2026 or later are capped at 8.2% (5% + 3.2% local CPI, per the California Apartment Association's newly released 2026 CPI figures). Time your notice accordingly — California requires at least 30 days' written notice for increases at or below 10%.

The AB 1482 Formula

AB 1482 limits annual rent increases to 5% plus the local Consumer Price Index (CPI), capped at 10% total — whichever is lower.

Important: the cap resets every August 1 using a fresh CPI figure. The 8.8% number applies August 1, 2025 through July 31, 2026. For August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027, the San Diego County cap drops to 8.2% (5% + 3.2% CPI) — the California Apartment Association released the new county-by-county CPI figures in June 2026. Always confirm the live number before issuing a notice — the CAA publishes an AB 1482 rent-increase calculator that's updated each year.

Which Properties Are Covered?

AB 1482 covers most multifamily housing and many single-family rentals built before January 1, 2010. (You'll see some sources cite a 2005 cutoff for the statewide standard; San Diego-specific guidance commonly points to 2010 — verify your property's status before relying on either.)

The Exemption Single-Family Owners Miss

Here's the part worth real money: single-family homes and condos are exempt from AB 1482's rent cap — but only if two conditions are met:

1. The property is not owned by a corporation, REIT, or an LLC with a corporate member, and

2. The owner gave the tenant the specific written exemption notice required by law, in the lease at signing (or by the required deadline).

That second condition is the catch. If the exemption language was never in the lease, the home is treated as covered — and you're back to the 8.8% cap (8.2% after August 1, 2026). This is one of the most common and costly oversights we see among San Diego owners who self-manage. Getting the exemption notice right at lease signing preserves your flexibility for the life of the tenancy.

Just Cause Still Applies

Even where the rent cap is in play, remember that AB 1482 also imposes "just cause" eviction protections on covered units. So the law affects not just how much you can raise rent, but whether and how you can end a tenancy — the two go hand in hand. If you're thinking about regaining possession, read our guide to the California eviction process first.

Don't Leave the Exemption on the Table

If you own a single-family home or condo in San Diego, don't assume you're stuck under the rent cap by default — check whether your lease already includes the AB 1482 exemption notice, and get it in writing before your next renewal if it doesn't. Not sure where your property stands, or want a second opinion on your 2026 rent strategy? Reach out to our team, or learn more about property management across San Diego County.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can a landlord raise rent in San Diego in 2026?

For most properties covered by AB 1482, the cap is 8.8% through July 31, 2026, then drops to 8.2% for the year starting August 1, 2026 — or 5% plus the local CPI change, whichever is lower, up to a 10% ceiling.

Which properties are exempt from the rent cap?

Single-family homes and condos are exempt from AB 1482's rent cap, but only if two conditions are met: the property isn't owned by a corporation, REIT, or an LLC with a corporate member, and the owner gave the tenant the required written exemption notice at lease signing.

What happens if I never gave the exemption notice?

If the exemption language was never included in the lease, the unit is treated as covered by the rent cap — even if it would otherwise qualify for the exemption. Getting this notice right at lease signing is what preserves your flexibility.

Does AB 1482 affect evictions too?

Yes. AB 1482 also imposes "just cause" eviction protections on covered units, so the law affects not just how much you can raise rent, but whether and how a tenancy can be ended.

This article is general information for San Diego rental owners, not legal advice. Rent-cap and just-cause rules are detailed and change over time — verify the current figures or consult a qualified California attorney before acting.