Berkeley has a local rent-stabilization ordinance listed on the Attorney General’s chart (Berkeley Mun. Code, chapter 13.76). Check it before you raise rent: it can be stricter than the statewide cap and has its own exemptions. Check your local rent rules and the city’s ordinance before you raise rent or serve a notice.
Does Berkeley have rent control?
Yes. The Attorney General’s chart lists Berkeley.
| Ordinance | How the cap works (AG summary) | Figure the AG lists |
|---|---|---|
| BerkeleyBerkeley Mun. Code, chapter 13.76 | For units with certificates of occupancy issued before 6/30/80, one increase in a 12-month period to the maximum lawful rent, which is increased each year by 65% of the change in CPI, up to a max. of 7%. There is a limited exception for applying these increases to Section 8 voucher holders. Check with Berkeley for further information. Landlords cannot raise rent during the first 2 years of a tenancy. | 1%1/1/26 – 12/31/26 |
Source: California Attorney General, Limits on Rent Increases, read Nov 13, 2026. The chart is informational. A local cap applies instead of the statewide cap when it is lower; many local ordinances exempt newer buildings or most single-family homes and condos.
Is there an emergency rent cap in Berkeley right now?
Check the emergency order tracker for any active order covering this county, and the Cal OES price-gouging page.
Where do I find Berkeley’s official pages?
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum rent increase in Berkeley?
Berkeley has a local cap on the Attorney General’s chart (Berkeley Mun. Code, chapter 13.76); the AG lists “1%” for “1/1/26 – 12/31/26”. Use the lower of the local cap and the statewide cap, and check the exemptions in the ordinance.
Do I need just cause to end a tenancy in Berkeley?
For most tenancies of 12 months or more (or 24 months if all adult tenants have been there less than 12), state law requires a stated just cause (Civ. Code § 1946.2). Check whether the city adds its own rules.
Is there an emergency rent cap in Berkeley now?
Possibly. Emergency price-gouging orders are county- or city-wide and change quickly. See the tracker.
Sources
- California Attorney General: Limits on Rent Increases (local chart)
- California Courts Self-Help: landlord eviction information
Local ordinances change often and this page may be out of date. Check the linked official sources, your city and, for decisions that matter, a qualified California attorney. Read the disclaimer.