Change in Enforcement of Relocation Rent Increase Requirement

Published on December 22, 2025

In compliance with the recent California Court of Appeal decision in California Apartment Association v. City of Pasadena(PDF, 309KB), the City of Alameda Rent Program will no longer enforce Alameda Municipal Code Section 6-58.85(A)(ii).

Previously, this section required landlords of partially regulated units to provide permanent relocation assistance if a tenant received a rent increase of more than 10% within a 12-month period. The Court ruled that such local provisions conflict with state law, including the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act and the Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482), which set statewide limits on rent increases and relocation requirements. As a result, this portion of the ordinance is preempted and cannot be enforced.

What This Means for Tenants

  • Tenants in partially regulated units (such as single-family homes, townhomes/condos & new construction built after 1995) will no longer be entitled to permanent relocation assistance solely because of a rent increase greater than 10%.

  • Some, but not all, partially regulated units are subject to a limit on the amount that a landlord may increase rent under AB 1482. For more information on this state law, click here. Tenants may contact Rent Program staff if they have questions about whether their tenancy is subject to AB 1482.

  • All other tenant protections under Alameda’s Rent Ordinance and state law remain in effect, including local limits on rent increases for fully regulated units and protections against harassment and retaliation.

What This Means for Landlords

  • When issuing a rent increase greater than 10% for a partially regulated unit, a landlord is no longer required to attach an additional Rent Program form to the rent increase notice, nor does the notice need to be filed with the Rent Program.

  • There is no longer a requirement to provide relocation payments if the tenant vacates within 90 days of the notice of rent increase.

  • All other obligations under Alameda’s Rent Control Ordinance and state law still apply, including proper notice requirements and compliance with local and statewide rent caps where applicable.

For questions or more information, please contact the Alameda Rent Program:

Email: rentprogram@alamedaca.gov

Phone: 510-747-7520

 

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