Does Berkeley have rent control?

Berkeley has its own local rent ordinance in addition to California's statewide AB 1482 cap. Local rules can be stricter, so confirm your unit's specific limit before raising rent.

What security-deposit limit applies in Berkeley?

California's statewide limit applies: one month's rent as of July 1, 2024 (AB 12), with a narrow small-landlord two-month exception. The deposit must be returned within 21 days.

Berkeley Rental Laws & Rent Control (2026)

County flag · Alameda County

Berkeley is in Alameda County, California. It adds local protections on top of statewide law: Just-cause protection start, Local rent increase cap, Annual rental registration fee, No-fault relocation assistance. Confirm each rule's current scope with the city before acting.

Berkeley local rules (4)

These sit on top of the statewide rules below. Each one links to the official Berkeley source we track it from. Scope can depend on the building’s age, unit count and tenancy — verify against the source before acting.

Just-cause protection start
Effective January 2024
From day 1 of the tenancy
Good Cause Ordinance (BMC 13.76): enumerated causes from start of tenancy; covers most rentals incl. many rent-ceiling-exempt units.
Official Berkeley source
Local rent increase cap
Effective January 2026
Tracked rate: 1% — confirm coverage and tiers below
AGA: 65% of Bay Area CPI. Pre-Jun 1980 multifamily. Calendar-2026 rate.
Official Berkeley source
Annual rental registration fee
Effective July 2026
$397 per unit FY26-27 (fully covered; $244 partially covered)
Due 7/2/2026. Verified 2026-08-30.
Official Berkeley source
No-fault relocation assistance
Effective January 2026
$19,413 (+$6,471 low-income/elderly/disabled/minor)
Owner move-in and Ellis withdrawals. CPI-adjusted annually.
Official Berkeley source

Statewide laws that apply in Berkeley

California Security Deposit Law (2026)
California security deposit limits, the 21-day return deadline, allowed deductions, photos, and bad-faith penalties under Civil Code §1950.5.
California Rent Increase Laws & AB 1482 Rent Cap (2026)
California AB 1482 rent caps, increase frequency, exemptions, and 30- or 90-day notice rules under Civil Code §§1947.12 and 827.
California Just Cause Eviction Rules (AB 1482, §1946.2)
California AB 1482 just-cause eviction rules, at-fault and no-fault grounds, relocation assistance, and notice requirements.
California Habitability & Repair Duties (§1941.1, SB 721)
California habitability and repair duties under Civil Code §1941.1, plus SB 721 balcony inspection rules for multifamily buildings.
California Security Deposit Photo Rules (AB 2801, 2026)
California AB 2801 move-in and move-out photo requirements, deposit deductions, and professional-cleaning limits under §1950.5.
California Working Stove & Refrigerator Law (AB 628, 2026)
California AB 628 stove and refrigerator habitability requirements for leases entered, amended, or extended from January 1, 2026.

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Frequently asked questions

Does Berkeley have rent control?: Berkeley has its own local rent ordinance in addition to California's statewide AB 1482 cap. Local rules can be stricter, so confirm your unit's specific limit before raising rent.
What security-deposit limit applies in Berkeley?: California's statewide limit applies: one month's rent as of July 1, 2024 (AB 12), with a narrow small-landlord two-month exception. The deposit must be returned within 21 days.

This page is general information about California law, not legal advice, and may not reflect the latest changes or your city’s local ordinances. Verify against the current statute or consult a California attorney before acting. Last reviewed: June 26, 2026.