Quick answers
Common landlord questions.
Every article answers a specific question, cites the ordinance section, and links back to the engine so you can check your own property. Filter by jurisdiction to see only the content that applies to you.
How much can I raise rent under AB 1482 in 2026?
The AB 1482 statewide cap is 5% plus local CPI, capped at 10% total. For most LA-area properties, that means about 8.9% is the maximum annual increase in 2026. For SF Bay Area, about 8.6%.
AB 1482 · rent increase · state law · rent cap
Does LA's Just Cause Ordinance apply to my rental?
Almost certainly yes if it's a residential rental unit in the City of Los Angeles. JCO covers virtually all LA residential rentals regardless of build year — including single-family homes, condos, and new construction. The main exemptions are narrow: owner-occupied duplexes and hotel/motel units. If in doubt, assume it applies.
JCO · coverage · eviction · single-family
How much relocation do I owe for a JCO no-fault eviction?
For 2026, JCO relocation for no-fault evictions ranges from about $9,900 to $23,700 per unit depending on the tenant's income, household composition, and tenancy length. Elderly, disabled, or minor-child households are entitled to the higher tier. Payment is due at or before service of the notice of termination.
JCO · no-fault eviction · relocation · eviction
What's the difference between LA JCO and AB 1482?
AB 1482 is the state just-cause floor; LA's JCO is the local overlay that's usually stricter. If both apply, JCO controls. Key differences: JCO covers most LA residential units regardless of age, while AB 1482 exempts properties under 15 years old. JCO's relocation payments are higher. JCO's just-cause categories are worded differently.
JCO · AB 1482 · just cause · eviction
Am I required to cool my LA rental to 82 degrees?
If your property is in unincorporated LA County, yes — landlords must be able to maintain 82°F or cooler in all habitable rooms, with enforcement starting January 1, 2027. Small landlords (10 or fewer units) get until 2032 for full compliance. If your property is in the City of LA, not yet — the City Council passed a motion in February 2026 directing staff to conform to the County standard, but no ordinance has been enacted.
cooling · habitability · LA County · temperature · AC
Do I have to register my LA rental property annually?
If your unit is covered by the LA Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO), yes — annual registration with LAHD is required by July 31 each year. The 2026 fee is approximately $38.75 per unit. Missing registration prevents you from raising rent, can bar certain evictions, and creates administrative fine liability. Non-RSO units in LA City don't have annual registration but may have other requirements.
LA RSO · annual registration · LAHD · compliance calendar
How much can I raise rent on my San Francisco tenant in 2026?
For fully-covered SF units, the permitted annual increase from March 2025 through February 2026 is 1.4%. For just-cause-only units (single-family homes and post-1979 buildings), AB 1482's cap of approximately 8.6% applies. The SF Rent Board publishes a new figure each March based on 60% of the CPI change, capped at 7%.
SF Rent Ordinance · rent increase · annual allowable · banking
How do I do a buyout agreement with my San Francisco tenant?
SF Buyout Agreements are governed by Administrative Code § 37.9E. Before any negotiation, you must give the tenant a specific written pre-negotiation disclosure of their rights. Any final agreement must be in writing, filed with the Rent Board within 59 days, and can be rescinded by the tenant within 45 days of signing. Skip any of these steps and the buyout is unenforceable.
SF Rent Ordinance · buyout · cash for keys · negotiated departure
What are the 16 just-cause grounds for eviction in San Francisco?
The SF Rent Ordinance permits eviction on 16 enumerated grounds — 5 at-fault (non-payment, breach, nuisance, etc.), 6 no-fault (owner move-in, demolition, Ellis Act withdrawal, etc.), and 5 procedural. No-fault evictions require relocation payments and specific advance notice. Serving on the wrong ground voids the notice.
SF Rent Ordinance · just cause · eviction · no-fault
Is my San Francisco rental covered by rent control?
If your building has a certificate of occupancy dated before June 13, 1979, and isn't a single-family home or condo with vacancy decontrol, it's almost certainly covered by SF Rent Ordinance rent limits AND just-cause eviction protections. Newer buildings escape rent limits but may still be subject to just-cause protections.
SF Rent Ordinance · coverage · rent control · just cause
Is my single-family rental exempt from AB 1482?
Only if all three conditions are met: (1) you own it as an individual or family trust (not a corporation or LLC with corporate members), (2) you gave the tenant proper written notice of the exemption in the specific form the statute requires, and (3) the notice was given at the correct time. Missing any of the three, and the property is covered.
AB 1482 · single-family · exemption · state law