Richmond rent control covers many older apartment buildings in Richmond, California, and just-cause eviction rules protect even more renters. For the period September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027, richmond rent control lets rents go up by 1.5% for tenancies that began before September 1, 2025.
Is Your Unit Covered by Richmond Rent Control?
Richmond sorts rentals into two groups. “Fully Covered” units get both a rent cap and just-cause eviction protection. According to the city, these are multi-unit properties built on or before February 1, 1995. If your apartment building fits that description, richmond rent control likely limits how much your rent can rise.
“Partially Covered” units get just-cause eviction protection only. They do not get the rent cap. For example, the city lists single-family homes (one unit on the parcel), condominiums, government-subsidized units, and permitted units built after February 1, 1995. In most cases, these tenants still cannot be evicted without a legal reason.
Not sure which group you’re in? Call the Rent Program and give them your address. They can tell you how your unit is classified. It is worth checking before you accept a big increase.
| Rule | What it says | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| Fully Covered units | Multi-unit properties built on or before February 1, 1995. Rent cap plus just cause. | Richmond Rent Program |
| Partially Covered units | Single-family homes, condos, subsidized units, units built after February 1, 1995. Just cause only. | Richmond Rent Program |
| 2026 Annual General Adjustment | 1.5% for increases taking effect September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027 (tenancies that began before September 1, 2025) | Richmond Rent Program |
| Banked increase limit | Up to 6.5% total if the landlord uses past increases they never took | Richmond Rent Program |
| How the cap is set | 60% of CPI or 3%, whichever is lower (Measure P, 2022) | Richmond Rent Program |
How Much Rent Can Go Up Under Richmond Rent Control
Each year the Rent Program sets an Annual General Adjustment, or AGA. The 2026 AGA is 1.5%. It applies to increases taking effect from September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027. It covers tenancies that began before September 1, 2025. Under richmond rent control, your landlord typically can raise rent only once a year, by this amount.
However, there is one catch. Landlords may “bank” increases they skipped in past years. As a result, the city says the maximum can reach 6.5% if your landlord uses banked increases. If your landlord already took every past increase, the most they can add is 1.5% on top of your current rent.
The formula changed after voters passed Measure P in 2022. The AGA is now 60% of the Consumer Price Index or 3%, whichever is lower. That is why richmond rent control increases are often smaller than increases in nearby cities.
Landlords also have paperwork duties. The city says they must file the rent increase notice with the Rent Program within ten business days of serving you. They file it along with a Proof of Service. California law has its own notice rules too. For the exact notice period that applies to you, check with the Rent Program. For Partially Covered units, the statewide cap under California law may apply instead. The Rent Program can confirm which rule covers your home.
Eviction Protections in This City
Fully and Partially Covered tenants share one key protection. A landlord cannot end your tenancy without a “just cause.” In plain terms, the landlord needs a reason the law accepts. Examples include not paying rent or a serious lease violation. “My lease is up” or “I want a new tenant” is not enough on its own.
Some evictions are “no-fault.” That means you did nothing wrong. An example is when the landlord needs you out for major repairs. In those cases, Richmond requires the landlord to pay you relocation money. The dollar amounts change over time. Confirm the current figure with the Rent Program before you move out or sign anything.
If your landlord fails to pay relocation money they owe, you can act. Partially Covered tenants can file a “Failure to Pay Relocation Payments” petition under the Richmond Relocation Ordinance. Fully Covered tenants should also call the Rent Program for help.
What to Do If Your Landlord Breaks the Rule
Start with the Richmond Rent Program. This city office runs richmond rent control and handles tenant questions and complaints. Before you file a petition, the city asks you to talk with a Housing Counselor. You can call (510) 234-RENT (7368). You can also submit an Appointment Request Form.
To file a petition, you can email it to [email protected]. You can also mail it to: City of Richmond Rent Program, Attn: Hearings Unit, 440 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 200, Richmond, CA 94804. For example, you might file a Rent Adjustment Petition if your increase went over the legal cap.
Bring or attach proof. This typically includes your lease and the rent increase notice. It also includes rent receipts or bank records, and any texts or letters from your landlord. Keep copies of everything. Write down dates of calls and conversations too.
📨 Get Free Tenant Rights Guides Alerts
Free · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime
Facing an active eviction? Call legal aid right away as well as the Rent Program. The Rent Program can explain your rights under richmond rent control. However, a legal-aid office or tenant attorney can help you respond in court. Many tenants may be able to stay in their homes longer, or reach a better deal, with help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the richmond rent control increase for 2026?
The 2026 Annual General Adjustment is 1.5%. It applies to increases taking effect from September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027. It covers tenancies that began before September 1, 2025.
Can my landlord raise my rent more than 1.5%?
Possibly, if they “banked” past increases they never took. Under richmond rent control, the city says the total can reach 6.5% with banking. If the number looks too high, call the Rent Program to check the math.
I rent a single-family home. Am I protected?
In most cases, you are Partially Covered. That means you get just-cause eviction protection but not the local rent cap. State law may still limit your increase. Check with the Rent Program.
Protect your stuff while you sort this out
A landlord’s insurance does not cover your belongings — renters insurance does, often for a few dollars a month. Compare options before your next move.
Find Your State’s Exact Rules
Notice periods, deposit caps, and the eviction timeline all change from state to state. Pick your state to see the exact days, dollar limits, and steps that apply where you live.
See Tenant Rights in All 50 States →
Sources & How to Verify
The rules on this page are drawn from official government and legal-aid sources. Tenant law changes, so always confirm the exact rule with your state’s statute or a local legal-aid office.
- HUD: hud.gov — federal renter protections and fair housing
- Legal Services Corporation: lsc.gov — find free legal aid in your state
- Cornell Legal Information Institute: law.cornell.edu/wex — plain-English legal definitions
- Your state statute & court self-help portal: search “[your state] landlord tenant act” and “[your state] court self-help eviction” for the exact law and forms
Content last reviewed September 2026. If you notice outdated information, please contact us.
California Renter Guides
- California Eviction Process
- California Tenant Rights
- California Security Deposit Law
- California Rent Increase Laws
- California Repairs and Habitability
- Breaking a Lease in California
Related Guides
- Tenant Rights by State (50-State Guide)
- More in This Category
- Tenant Scenarios — What to Do When…
- Notices, Letters & Documents
- Comparison Guides
- Tenant Rights Legal Glossary
Informational only — not legal advice. Tenant Rights Info is an independent educational resource, not a law firm, and this page does not provide legal advice. Landlord-tenant law varies by state and city and changes over time, so always verify the exact rule with your state’s statute, your local court’s self-help portal, or a legal-aid office. For urgent situations like an active eviction, contact a local legal-aid office or a licensed tenant attorney in your state right away.