Steve Welty

Issue# 47

May 2025

Happy Saturday, Housing Heroes!

If you own rental property in Southern California, you already know - it’s not for the faint of heart. Between rising costs, local ordinances, and state laws that keep shifting, it’s easy to feel like you’re walking through a legal minefield.

One topic that always trips people up? Rent control.

Let’s break it down so you can stay compliant, protect your property, and avoid costly mistakes.

Does Rent Control Apply to Your Property?

It might - and the rules can surprise you. Here's a quick cheat sheet:

Exempt from AB 1482:

Single-family homes and condos (if owned by an individual—not a corporation or LLC)
Properties built in the last 15 years
Owner-occupied duplexes

Covered by AB 1482:

Most apartment buildings
Corporate or institutional-owned properties
Older multifamily units

Pro Tip: That 15-year new-build exemption is rolling. If your building was built in 2010, it’ll fall under rent control in 2025.

How Much Can You Raise Rent?

If your property is covered by AB 1482:

The cap is 5% + your local CPI (Consumer Price Index), maxing out at 10%
In LA, San Diego, Riverside, and OC, CPI typically ranges from 2–4%, so expect a 7–9% allowable increase in 2025
You must give 30 days’ written notice, with a clear breakdown of the new rent and the percentage increase

You also need to serve notices properly, no leaving it under the door. Use personal delivery, substitute service, or certified mail.

Can You Ask a Tenant to Leave?

If the tenant has lived there for 12+ months, you’ll need a legal reason, this is where “just cause” eviction rules come into play under AB 1482.

Acceptable reasons include:

At-Fault Evictions:

Non-payment of rent
Lease violations
Refusal to grant access
Nuisance behavior

No-Fault Evictions:

You or a close family member is moving in
You're planning major renovations (permits required)
You’re removing the unit from the rental market entirely

Heads-up: No-fault evictions require you to pay relocation assistance equal to one month’s rent, and you have to include that in your termination notice. If your property is located in LA, that could be up to four months’ rent, depending on the tenant’s income and length of tenancy.

What About Local Ordinances?

Good news: Unlike LA County, the counties of San Diego, Orange, and Riverside don’t currently add major restrictions on top of AB 1482.

However:

Cities within these counties (like Chula Vista or Santa Ana) may create more rules in the future
State lawmakers are actively proposing stricter rent control across all housing types (like AB 1157, which could impact single-family homes too)

So while things are “lighter” in SoCal today, the pressure is building — and it’s smart to stay ahead of the curve.

Smart Landlord Strategies for 2025

If you want to stay compliant and profitable, here’s what we recommend:

Review your property’s status annually — Has it hit the 15-year mark? Is it still exempt?
Raise rent yearly (within legal limits) — Don’t fall behind the market. You might not be able to catch up later.
Stay proactive about documentation — Rent increases, notices, inspection logs — keep it clean and organized.

The Bottom Line

Rent control in San Diego, OC, and Riverside isn’t as aggressive as in other parts of California — but it’s here, and it’s real. Whether you’re managing one condo in Mission Valley or a dozen units in Irvine, compliance matters.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or just want someone to handle all this for you, we’ve got your back. Feel free to schedule a call using the link below.

Catch you next week!

Have questions about managing your property?

Our team proudly serves San Diego, Orange, and Riverside Counties. Schedule a call with us today, and let’s chat about how we can guide you through every step of your property management journey.

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🎥 California Rent Control: Everything You Need To Know In 7 Minutes

Take 2 Minutes to Protect Your Property Rights!

Click below to tell your Assemblymember to vote NO on AB 1248 before it’s too late. This bill threatens your ability to manage utilities, charge fair fees, and comply with existing rent control laws.

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