Rent Control in California

Rent control in California refers to local laws that limit how much landlords can increase rent for existing tenants, providing stability and affordability. These regulations vary by city; for example, San Francisco and Los Angeles impose limits on annual rent hikes and tenant protections. Generally, rent increases are restricted to a certain percentage, often tied to inflation, and landlords may be required to follow specific procedures for raising rent or evicting tenants. Rent control aims to balance landlords' rights with tenants' housing security, especially in high-demand urban areas, while still allowing for necessary property maintenance and improvements.