If you own rental property in Glendale, understanding how rent caps change each year is critical. California’s statewide rent control law limits how much landlords can raise rent annually — and those limits are tied directly to inflation data in the Los Angeles region.
This guide breaks down:
- How California’s rent cap formula works
- How local CPI (Consumer Price Index) affects allowable increases
- How Glendale and Los Angeles County data factor into calculations
- What notice rules landlords must follow
- What happens if a rent increase violates the law
What Law Controls Rent Increases in California?
California’s statewide rent cap law comes from the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482). You can review the official statute under the California Tenant Protection Act of 2019, which is codified in Civil Code § 1947.12.
Under this law:
Annual rent increases are limited to 5% plus the local Consumer Price Index (CPI) — capped at 10% total, whichever is lower.
This cap applies to most multi-family residential properties over 15 years old, unless an exemption applies.
How is Rent Cap Calculated Each Year?
The formula looks simple:
5% + Local CPI (Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim region)
Maximum increase = 10%
The CPI used for Glendale landlords comes from the Los Angeles metropolitan area CPI, published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
You can review the official CPI data directly from the Los Angeles CPI page published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which updates inflation figures regularly.
Example Calculation (Hypothetical Scenario)
If CPI for the Los Angeles region is 4%:
- 5% base
- 4% CPI
- = 9% maximum allowable increase
If CPI reaches 7%:
- 5% base
- 7% CPI
- = 12% — but capped at 10%
So the maximum increase would be 10%.
Recent Los Angeles / Glendale CPI Data Trends
The CPI for the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim region has fluctuated significantly in recent years due to inflation pressures:
| Year | Approx. LA CPI (Annual Avg.) | Max Allowable Increase |
| 2022 | ~7–8% peak inflation | 10% (capped) |
| 2023 | ~4–5% | 9–10% |
| 2024 | ~3–4% moderation | 8–9% |
| 2025 | Trending lower (varies) | Below 10% likely |
Approx. LA CPI (Annual Avg.): ~7–8% peak inflation
Max Allowable Increase: 10% (capped)
Approx. LA CPI (Annual Avg.): ~4–5%
Max Allowable Increase: 9–10%
Approx. LA CPI (Annual Avg.): ~3–4% moderation
Max Allowable Increase: 8–9%
Approx. LA CPI (Annual Avg.): Trending lower (varies)
Max Allowable Increase: Below 10% likely
Because Glendale falls within the LA metro CPI region, landlords here must use the Los Angeles CPI index, not statewide averages.
Does Glendale Have Its Own Rent Control?
Unlike the City of Los Angeles, Glendale does not operate a long-standing independent rent stabilization ordinance equivalent to LA’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO). However:
- AB 1482 applies to most qualifying Glendale properties.
- Emergency orders and temporary tenant protections in Los Angeles County have applied in recent years.
- Property owners must evaluate both state law and any applicable county regulations.
This is especially important for landlords who own property across city lines.
Which Properties Are Covered by AB 1482?
The rent cap generally applies to:
- Multi-family properties over 15 years old
- Some single-family homes owned by corporations or REITs
- Certain condominiums
Common Exemptions:
- Owner-occupied duplexes
- Single-family homes (if proper exemption notice is given)
- New construction within the last 15 years
- Affordable housing with regulatory agreements
Failure to properly provide exemption notices can eliminate the exemption.
Notice Requirements for Rent Increases
Rent caps are only one part of compliance. Notice rules are equally important.
Under California Civil Code:
- 30-day notice required for increases of 10% or less
- 90-day notice required if the cumulative increase exceeds 10%
Improper notice language can invalidate an otherwise legal increase.
What Happens If a Landlord Violates Rent Cap Rules?
If a rent increase exceeds allowable limits:
- The increase may be void
- Tenants may recover overpaid rent
- Attorney’s fees may be awarded
- Landlords may face affirmative defenses in eviction cases
In high-conflict cases, improper increases can escalate into full litigation.
Special Issues for Glendale & LA County Landlords
A – Inflation Swings Matter
When CPI spikes, landlords often assume 10% is always permissible. That is incorrect. The cap is 10% maximum, but only if CPI plus 5% reaches that threshold.
B – Multi-Property Investors Must Track Each Jurisdiction
An investor with properties in Glendale and Los Angeles City may face different compliance obligations.
C – Rent Caps Affect Property Valuation
Buyers underwriting tenant-occupied properties factor in legal rent limits. Illegal increases can reduce sale value or derail escrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.) What is the maximum rent increase allowed this year in Glendale?
It depends on the current Los Angeles CPI. The allowable increase equals 5% plus CPI, capped at 10%.
2.) Can landlords automatically raise rent 10% every year?
No. The 10% figure is a maximum ceiling, not a guaranteed increase.
3.) Does CPI change mid-year?
The CPI is published periodically, but landlords must rely on the relevant 12-month change calculation under the statute.
4.) What if I accidentally raised the rent too much?
Overcharges may need to be refunded, and legal exposure increases if the tenant disputes it.
5.) Do rent caps apply to month-to-month tenants?
Yes, if the property is covered under AB 1482.
How Rent Caps Impact Real Estate Transactions
If you’re selling a tenant-occupied property in Glendale:
- Buyers will examine whether past increases complied with AB 1482
- Illegal increases may require correction before closing
- Misstated rent figures can trigger post-sale disputes
Landlords should confirm compliance before listing.
When to Speak With a Real Estate Attorney
You should consider consulting counsel if:
- You’re unsure whether your property is exempt
- You plan to issue a significant increase
- A tenant challenges your notice
- You’re buying or selling tenant-occupied property
- You received a demand letter regarding rent overcharges
California rent cap laws continue to evolve alongside inflation trends and tenant protections.
Final Thoughts
For landlords in Glendale, annual rent increases are no longer simple math. They require:
- Reviewing Los Angeles CPI data
- Confirming property exemption status
- Issuing compliant written notice
- Avoiding costly miscalculations
Even a small error can trigger larger legal disputes.
If you own rental property in Glendale or Los Angeles County and want to ensure your rent increases comply with California law, consulting a local real estate attorney before issuing notice can significantly reduce risk.