San Diego Rent Increases — Know Your Rights as a Tenant

Are You Facing a Rent Hike? You Have Legal Protections

In California, tenants cannot be charged unlimited rent increases. The Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482) and local ordinances provide limits and protections for renters in San Diego.

If your landlord is trying to raise your rent unfairly, our San Diego tenant attorneys can help you challenge illegal increases and protect your home.

Call (866) 219-3343 today for a free consultation.
Don’t pay more than the law allows — we fight for tenants’ rights.

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California Law on Rent Increases (AB 1482)

Under AB 1482, most residential tenants are protected by rent caps and eviction restrictions:

Annual rent increase is limited to 5% of the current rent plus local inflation (maximum 10% total).

Landlords must provide proper written notice:

Certain units are exempt, including newer constructions (built in the last 15 years), single-family homes (unless owned by large corporations), and some exempt rentals.

Violating these rules is illegal, and tenants can challenge unlawful rent hikes in court.

Local Ordinances Provide Additional Protections

San Diego tenants may also benefit from city or county-level rent control laws and tenant protection ordinances:

  • Some cities limit annual rent increases further than state law
  • Local laws may require relocation assistance for no-fault evictions or high increases
  • Tenant protections may differ for certain types of housing, like mobile home parks or affordable housing

 

Always check local laws. Even if your landlord follows state law, they may still be violating San Diego-specific protections.
Our attorneys keep up-to-date with local ordinances to protect you.

Your Rights as a Tenant Facing a Rent Increase

If you receive a rent increase notice, you have the right to:

  1. Verify the increase is legal — ensure it complies with AB 1482 and any local ordinances.
  2. Negotiate — sometimes landlords will reduce or delay increases when tenants are aware of their legal rights.

 

Our San Diego tenant attorneys review notices for legality and fight illegal hikes aggressively.
We know how landlords try to skirt the rules, and we make sure tenants aren’t overcharged.

Steps to Take Immediately

  1. Check the notice — verify the amount and timing comply with AB 1482 and local rules.
  2. Document all communications — keep written notices, emails, or texts.
  3. Research local ordinances — San Diego and nearby cities may offer additional protections.
  4. Contact a tenant rights attorney — act fast before the rent increase goes into effect.

 

Acting quickly is key — once you pay the increased rent, it may be harder to recover overcharges.

Why You Need a San Diego Tenant Attorney

  • Landlords often try to exploit loopholes or ignore local ordinances. Our attorneys:

    • Review rent increase notices for legality
    • Advise on tenant protection laws and local ordinances
    • Challenge illegal or retaliatory increases
    • Help tenants negotiate or litigate to reduce rent or stop illegal hikes

    We fight to make sure landlords follow the law — and that tenants are not overcharged.

Serving San Diego Renters Across the County


We represent tenants in:
Downtown San Diego, City of San Diego, Chula Vista, Oceanside, Escondido, Carlsbad, El Cajon, Vista, San Marcos, Encinitas, La Mesa, Santee, National City, Poway, Clairemont Mesa, Kearny Mesa, La Jolla, Point Loma, and surrounding areas.
Call (866) 219-3343 today for a free consultation.
Don’t let your landlord raise your rent illegally — we’ll fight for your rights.

Call Now