10Doors Templates Rent Increase Notice — California

Free Rent Increase Notice Template for California Landlords

Raising rent in California requires proper written notice. For most month-to-month tenancies in California, landlords should give at least 30 days (90 days if the increase is more than 10%) of written notice before the new rent takes effect. Use the free California rent increase notice template below — fill in the blanks, deliver it the way your lease and state law require, and keep a copy for your records.

Required notice30 days (90 days if the increase is more than 10%)

Applies toMonth-to-month and other periodic tenancies — fixed-term leases can only be raised at renewal unless the lease says otherwise

DeliveryWritten notice; certified mail or personal delivery with a witness is recommended

Rent controlState law (AB 1482) caps most rent increases at 5% plus local CPI, up to 10% total, for covered properties. Many cities — Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose and others — have stricter local rent control.

The California template

NOTICE OF RENT INCREASE

Date: ____________________

To: __________________________________ (tenant name(s))
Re: __________________________________ (rental property address, unit)

Dear Tenant,

This letter is formal notice that the monthly rent for the above property will increase from $____________ to $____________, effective ____________________ (the first day of the rental period beginning at least 30 days (90 days if the increase is more than 10%) from the date of this notice, or as required by your lease).

All other terms of your lease remain unchanged.

If you have questions, contact me at __________________________________.

_____________________________          ____________________
Landlord / Agent signature                    Date

Tip: copy the text above into your editor, fill in the blanks, and print or save as PDF before delivering.

How to use it in California

Check your lease first — many California leases set their own notice period, which controls if it’s longer than the statutory minimum.
Count the notice window carefully: the increase takes effect on the first day of a rental period after the required 30 days (90 days if the increase is more than 10%) has passed.
Deliver the notice in a way you can prove — certified mail, hand delivery with a witness, or any method your lease specifies.
If the tenant stays past the effective date and pays the new amount, the increase generally takes effect; if they object, you may need to renegotiate or begin the termination process the lease allows.

California-specific notes

State law (AB 1482) caps most rent increases at 5% plus local CPI, up to 10% total, for covered properties. Many cities — Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose and others — have stricter local rent control.
Rent cannot be raised during a fixed-term lease unless the lease allows it.
Retaliatory or discriminatory increases are illegal in every state.

More free California templates

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Frequently asked questions

How much notice is required to raise rent in California?

For most month-to-month tenancies in California, at least 30 days (90 days if the increase is more than 10%) of written notice before the increase takes effect. Fixed-term leases can generally only be raised at renewal.

Is there a limit on how much rent can be raised in California?

State law (AB 1482) caps most rent increases at 5% plus local CPI, up to 10% total, for covered properties. Many cities — Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose and others — have stricter local rent control.

Can I raise rent in the middle of a lease?

Only if the lease explicitly allows a mid-term increase. Otherwise, the increase takes effect at renewal.

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This template is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Landlord-tenant law changes and local ordinances may impose additional requirements — verify current state and local rules before serving any notice. Last reviewed September 2026.