Does Hayward have rent control?

Hayward 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 Hayward?

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.

Hayward Rental Laws & Rent Control (2026)

County flag · Alameda County

Hayward is in Alameda County, California. It adds local protections on top of statewide law: Just-cause protection start, Local rent increase cap. Confirm each rule's current scope with the city before acting.

Hayward local rules (2)

These sit on top of the statewide rules below. Each one links to the official Hayward 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 September 2019
From day 1 of the tenancy
Just cause (at-fault + no-fault grounds) for covered RRSO units; no-fault terminations require relocation assistance. Confirm current relocation schedule on the city landlord page.
Official Hayward source
Local rent increase cap
Effective September 2019
Tracked rate: 5% — confirm coverage and tiers below
RRSO: 5% annual cap, one increase per 12 months (banking up to 10% / capital pass-through up to 10% allowed by petition). Covered = buildings built before Jul 1 1979 with 2+ units; SFHs, condos, and owner-occupied duplexes exempt.
Official Hayward source

Statewide laws that apply in Hayward

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 Hayward have rent control?: Hayward 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 Hayward?: 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.