San José · City ordinance
What's the maximum rent increase in San José for 2026?
5%
Under San José's Apartment Rent Ordinance, the maximum allowable rent increase is one 5% increase in any 12-month period for covered apartments.
- In effect
- Ongoing (fixed by ordinance, once per 12 months)
- Next change
- No fixed date
- Set by
- City of San José Housing Department, Rent Stabilization Program · City ordinance
- Last checked
- October 17, 2026
Where 5% sits
A fixed limit: one 5% increase in any 12-month period for covered apartments.
§ 1 · The formula
How the San José cap is calculated
Fixed 5% per 12 months
Fixed by ordinance: one 5% increase in a 12-month period. It is not tied to CPI.
Law: Apartment Rent Ordinance, San José Mun. Code ch. 17.23.
§ 2 · Coverage
Who it covers, and who's exempt
Covered
- Apartments in buildings of three or more units built and occupied before September 7, 1979
Main exemptions & conditions
- Single-family homes, ADUs/in-law units, duplexes, condominiums and townhomes
- Units first rented after September 7, 1979
- Government-owned units, hotels, school dormitories, nonprofit homes for the aged
- Properties in unincorporated areas of San José
- Increases after a voluntary vacancy or a lawful eviction
§ 3 · Timing
Notice, and when it changes next
Notice: Not stated on this page. State law generally requires 30 days for increases of 10% or less.
Next change: No scheduled change: the 5% limit is fixed by ordinance until the City Council amends it.
§ 4 · Sources
Official sources
- City of San José · headline figure
Learn About Rent Stabilization ↗
“Under the Apartment Rent Ordinance, the maximum allowable rent increase is one 5% increase in a 12-month period.”
- California Legislative Information · notice
Civil Code § 827 (notice of rent increase) ↗
“the notice shall be delivered at least 30 days before the effective date of the increase”
See something out of date? The methodology page explains how we check figures.
§ 5 · Questions
Frequently asked
What is the maximum rent increase in San José for 2026?
Under San José's Apartment Rent Ordinance, the maximum allowable rent increase is one 5% increase in any 12-month period for covered apartments.
How is the San José rent cap calculated?
Fixed by ordinance: one 5% increase in a 12-month period. It is not tied to CPI.
Which rentals are exempt from the San José cap?
Single-family homes, ADUs/in-law units, duplexes, condominiums and townhomes. Units first rented after September 7, 1979. Government-owned units, hotels, school dormitories, nonprofit homes for the aged.
When does the San José rent cap change next?
No scheduled change: the 5% limit is fixed by ordinance until the City Council amends it.
Where does this San José figure come from?
From City of San José: “Learn About Rent Stabilization”, which we last checked on October 17, 2026. Always confirm with the agency before relying on it.
Same state
Other caps in California
Elsewhere