The Attorney General’s chart lists no local rent-increase cap for El Cajon, so the statewide AB 1482 cap applies to covered rentals (8.2% for increases starting 8/1/26–7/31/27 in the San Diego area). Check your local rent rules and the city’s ordinance before you raise rent or serve a notice.
Does El Cajon have rent control?
The Attorney General’s chart of local rent-stabilization laws (read Nov 13, 2026) has no entry for El Cajon. The statewide cap of 5% plus the regional CPI change, up to 10%, applies to rentals that are covered by AB 1482 (8.2% in the San Diego area for increases starting between Aug. 1, 2026 and July 31, 2027). The chart covers rent caps only; it does not cover just-cause, relocation, registry or other tenant rules, so check El Cajon’s municipal code before you serve a notice.
Is there an emergency rent cap in El Cajon right now?
The Governor’s Tropical Storm Rachel emergency (proclaimed Oct. 15, 2026) limits rent increases in San Diego County to 10% under Penal Code § 396 through Nov. 14, 2026, unless extended. It covers rental housing with an initial lease term of one year or less, including month-to-month tenancies (Cal OES price-gouging page). As of Nov 13, 2026, no extension had been announced. Check the emergency order tracker for the current status.
Where do I find El Cajon’s official pages?
- El Cajon official website: housing, code enforcement and the municipal code are linked from the city site.
- San Diego County: courts, housing agencies, assessor
- San Diego County utilities
- Rent increase wizard · Notice date calculator
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum rent increase in El Cajon?
For most covered rentals the statewide cap is 5% plus the regional CPI change, up to 10% (8.2% in the San Diego area for increases starting 8/1/26–7/31/27). The Attorney General’s chart lists no local cap for El Cajon. Use the rent increase wizard.
Do I need just cause to end a tenancy in El Cajon?
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 El Cajon 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.