How Much Notice Do You Need to Raise Rent in California (2026)?

It's 30 days for most increases and 90 days for larger ones — but the line between them is drawn over a rolling 12 months, not per notice, and that's where small landlords miscount.

The rule (Civil Code §827)

• 30 days' written notice if the new rent is 10% or less above the highest rent charged at any time in the prior 12 months.
• 90 days' written notice if the new rent is more than 10% above that figure.

The notice must be in writing, even if the tenancy started with a verbal agreement.

The 10% is cumulative

The threshold isn't measured per notice. It's measured across every increase in the trailing 12 months. Example: you raised rent 6% four months ago and now want another 6%. Against the rent charged 12 months ago, that's about 12.4% — so the second notice needs 90 days, not 30.

Mailing adds days

If you serve the notice by mail instead of handing it over, Code of Civil Procedure §1013 adds 5 calendar days: a 30-day notice becomes 35, and a 90-day notice becomes 95. Count from the mailing date, and keep proof of when you mailed it.

The notice period isn't the only limit

If your unit is covered by AB 1482, the increase is also capped (5% plus local inflation, never more than 10% in 12 months), however much notice you give. Many small-landlord properties are exempt, but only if you handled the paperwork correctly — see our AB 1482 exemption article. City rent-control ordinances can add stricter caps and their own notice forms.

Quick checklist before you send it

1. Write down the rent charged 12 months ago and the highest rent since.
2. Compute the new rent as a percentage above that figure.
3. Pick 30 or 90 days, then add 5 if you're mailing.
4. Confirm whether AB 1482 or a local ordinance caps the amount.
5. Keep a dated copy of the notice and how it was delivered.

This article is informational, not legal advice. For your specific situation, talk to a California landlord-tenant attorney.