East Palo Alto has a local rent-stabilization ordinance listed on the Attorney General’s chart (E. Palo Alto Mun. Code, chapter 14.04). 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 East Palo Alto have rent control?
Yes. The Attorney General’s chart lists East Palo Alto.
| Ordinance | How the cap works (AG summary) | Figure the AG lists |
|---|---|---|
| East Palo AltoE. Palo Alto Mun. Code, chapter 14.04 | For units with certificates of occupancy issued on or before 1/1/88, one increase of 80% of the change in CPI, up to a max. 10%. Not applicable to Section 8 voucher holders, or to buildings with 3 or fewer units where the owner has resided in one of the units for at least one year. Landlords may bank increases and add them to a later general increase, but may not in any year impose a total increase greater than 10%. | 2%7/1/26 – 6/30/27 |
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 East Palo Alto 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 East Palo Alto’s official pages?
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum rent increase in East Palo Alto?
East Palo Alto has a local cap on the Attorney General’s chart (E. Palo Alto Mun. Code, chapter 14.04); the AG lists “2%” for “7/1/26 – 6/30/27”. 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 East Palo Alto?
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 East Palo Alto 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Local ordinances change often and this page may be out of date.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.