Rent Increase Cap Checker
Short answer
For covered properties only: California (AB 1482, Civil Code 1947.12) maximum = min(5% + CPI, 10%); Washington (HB 1217, RCW 59.18.700) maximum = min(7% + CPI, 10%), with no increase in the first 12 months. Example: California, $2,000 rent with 3% CPI = maximum $2,160. For every other state, the answer is Check official source.
Last verified: 2026-10-25. This is general information, not legal advice. City ordinances may be stricter and may override state rules. Check the official source for your city and state before acting.
Verified state rent caps
| State | Verified cap | Source |
|---|---|---|
| California | Maximum increase = min(5% + CPI, 10%) per 12 months, for covered properties | AB 1482, Civil Code 1947.12 |
| Washington | Maximum increase = min(7% + CPI, 10%); no increase in the first 12 months | HB 1217, RCW 59.18.700 |
| All other states | Check official source | No verified state cap is used on this site for other states |
Compare a proposed rent increase with the verified state formula for California or Washington only. For every other state, and whenever coverage, an exemption, or a local ordinance is uncertain, the result is Check official source — never a bare yes or no.
Last verified: 2026-10-25
Calculator
Formula
Percentage increase = (proposed rent − current rent) ÷ current rent × 100.
California (AB 1482, Civil Code 1947.12), covered properties: maximum increase = minimum(5% + local CPI, 10%) per 12 months. Capped rent = current rent × (1 + maximum increase ÷ 100).
Washington (HB 1217, RCW 59.18.700): maximum increase = minimum(7% + CPI, 10%) per 12 months. No increase is allowed in the first 12 months of tenancy. Note: manufactured / mobile homes are described in the verified rules at 5% — this tool does not build a separate manufactured-home calculator, so if that may apply, use “Check official source”.
Result wording is always one of three outcomes: “Allowed under the state formula you selected”, “Capped at $X”, or “Check official source”.
Worked examples
Example 1 — California, allowed: Current $2,000, proposed $2,150, CPI 3%. Cap = min(5% + 3%, 10%) = 8%. Capped rent = $2,000 × 1.08 = $2,160. Proposed increase = 7.5%, which is within the cap, so the result is “Allowed under the state formula you selected” (assuming no exemption or stricter local ordinance applies).
Example 2 — California, capped: Current $2,000, proposed $2,300, CPI 3%. Cap = 8%, capped rent = $2,160. Proposed increase = 15%, so the result is “Capped at $2,160”.
Example 3 — Washington, first-year freeze: Current $1,800, proposed $1,900, tenancy 6 months. No increase is allowed in the first 12 months, so the result is “Capped at $1,800” regardless of the 7% + CPI formula.
Example 4 — Washington, capped: Current $1,800, proposed $2,050, CPI 2%, tenancy 18 months. Cap = min(7% + 2%, 10%) = 9%. Capped rent = $1,800 × 1.09 = $1,962. Proposed increase ≈ 13.9%, so the result is “Capped at $1,962”.
Limitations
- Only California and Washington state formulas are verified for this tool. All other states return “Check official source” with no numeric cap.
- Coverage and exemptions are not decided by this tool. California exemptions include, for example, buildings under 15 years old and some single-family properties; the tool does not determine whether a property is covered.
- Local ordinances may be stricter and may override state rules. A result of “Allowed under the state formula you selected” does not clear a stricter city rule.
- CPI must be entered by the user; the tool does not verify which CPI measure or period applies to a particular tenancy.
- Notice, frequency, and other procedural requirements are not covered by this calculator.
Sources
- San Francisco — California Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482)
- National Low Income Housing Coalition — Washington statewide rent stabilization
- LegalClarity — How much can you raise rent in Washington State?
Last verified: 2026-10-25. Verify the current law and any city ordinance before acting.
Related guide: Is My Rent Increase Legal? — caps, timing, and notice, step by step.
Frequently asked questions
What is the California rent increase cap under AB 1482?
For covered properties, the maximum is the smaller of 5% plus local CPI and 10% per 12 months, under Civil Code 1947.12. Exemptions exist, and local ordinances may be stricter.
What is the Washington rent increase cap under HB 1217?
The maximum is the smaller of 7% plus CPI and 10% per 12 months, under RCW 59.18.700. No increase is allowed in the first 12 months of tenancy.
What if a local ordinance or exemption may apply?
Then this tool returns Check official source. Do not rely on the state formula alone when coverage, an exemption, or a stricter local ordinance is uncertain.