30 or 90 daysNotice period30 days (90 days if the increase is more than 10% in 12 mont...
YesRent controlYes — AB 1482 (5% + CPI, max 10%)
At renewalFixed-term leasesno mid-term increase unless the lease allows it
StatuteCalifornia referenceCal. Code Civ. Proc. § 1161; Civ. Code §§ 827, 1946.1, 1947.12
What applies to your California tenancy?
Notice, timing and any cap depend on the kind of tenancy. The period on each card is California's minimum — your lease can require more, never less.
30days
Month-to-month tenancy30 days (90 days if the increase is more than 10% in 12 months). The increase starts on the first day of a rental period after the notice runs out.Sent in-app as a renewal offerAt renewal
Fixed-term leaseRent cannot change mid-term unless the lease has an escalation clause. Send the new rent with the renewal offer, before the term ends.Sent in-app as a renewal offerYes
Rent controlYes — AB 1482 (5% + CPI, max 10%). The cap sets the ceiling; the notice period still applies.See the California rent-control pageAny
Timing that gets challengedAn increase soon after a repair request, complaint or protected activity reads as retaliation in most states. Document the business reason and apply it evenly across units.Reference wording
What a California rent increase notice must contain
✓Every adult tenant's name and the unit addressName each person on the lease so the notice binds all of them.
✓Current rent, new rent, and the differenceState both amounts and the increase as a dollar figure; a percentage on its own invites a dispute over the math.
✓An effective date that starts a rental periodAfter the full 30 days has run, on the first of a period — an increase mid-period is unenforceable in most states.Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 1161; Civ. Code §§ 827, 1946.1, 1947.12
✓Statement that all other lease terms continueUnless you are changing them too; then the notice is a change of terms and must list every change.
✓Notice date and delivery methodHand delivery or mail unless the lease agrees to electronic notices. Mailed notices add time in transit in most states.
✓Landlord signature and a copy on fileKeep the dated copy and the delivery record with the lease.auto-logged
How it works
1 · Open the lease and choose RenewSet the new rent and the effective date. California's 30 days minimum is checked against the date you pick.
2 · The renewal offer goes to the tenantDated, itemized and logged — that is the written notice. The tenant accepts on their phone.
3 · Rent and autopay update on the dateThe ledger, autopay and the lease record switch to the new amount on the effective date; nothing to re-enter.
California rent increase FAQ
How much notice does California require to raise rent?
30 days (90 days if the increase is more than 10% in 12 months) (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 1161; Civ. Code §§ 827, 1946.1, 1947.12). A fixed-term lease cannot be raised mid-term unless the lease says so.
Is there a limit on how much I can raise rent in California?
Yes — AB 1482 (5% + CPI, max 10%). See the California rent-control page for the current cap and which units are covered.
When does the increase take effect?
On the first day of a rental period after the notice period has fully run. Serve it a few days early so mail transit does not push it into the next month.
Can I raise rent by email?
Only if the lease agrees to electronic notices. The in-app renewal offer is emailed and logged; print it for hand delivery where the lease requires paper.
What if the tenant refuses?
On a month-to-month tenancy the tenant can give their own notice (30 days in California) and leave; if they stay past the effective date, the new rent applies.
Raise the rent the California way — notice, date and record in one step
Sent as a renewal offer from the lease; autopay follows on the effective date. Free.
Notice periods are California's statutory minimums as of 2026, reviewed against California Civil Code § 1950.5 and related landlord-tenant sections. General information for landlords, not legal advice; cities with rent stabilization add their own rules.
