Are you unsure how California’s Tenant Protection Act affects rentals in Brentwood? You are not alone. Between rent caps, just-cause rules, and new enforcement updates, it can feel like a moving target for small landlords and renters alike. In this guide, you will learn the essentials of AB 1482, how it applies locally, common exemptions, recent SB 567 enforcement changes, and a simple checklist to stay compliant. Let’s dive in.
AB 1482 in Brentwood: What it covers
AB 1482, also called the Tenant Protection Act of 2019, sets statewide standards for many residential rentals. It took effect on January 1, 2020. For Brentwood, where there is no citywide rent control like in some Bay Area cities, AB 1482 provides the primary baseline protections for covered units.
The law does two main things:
- Limits annual rent increases for covered units.
- Requires just-cause reasons to end a tenancy after a qualifying period.
Local laws that go further still apply. If Brentwood or Contra Costa County adopts stronger rules for certain properties, the stricter standard would control for those units.
Rent cap rules explained
AB 1482 limits most annual rent increases to the lower of 10 percent or 5 percent plus the regional Consumer Price Index. The cap applies to the total of all rent increases in any 12-month period. You can raise rent by less than the cap, but not more.
Keep timing in mind. The law looks at cumulative increases within a rolling 12-month window. If you make multiple increases in a year, the combined total cannot exceed the cap.
Notice rules still apply. California’s Civil Code requires written notice before increases. As a general rule, provide at least 30 days’ notice for increases under 10 percent and 60 days’ notice for increases of 10 percent or more. AB 1482’s cap does not replace those notice timelines.
Just-cause basics
Once a tenant has lived in a unit for 12 months or more, you must have a legally allowed reason to terminate the tenancy. These reasons fall into two categories: at-fault and no-fault.
- At-fault causes include nonpayment of rent, material lease violations, nuisance or damage, illegal activity, or refusing to sign a substantially similar renewal.
- No-fault causes include owner move-in, withdrawing the unit from the rental market, demolition or substantial remodel that requires vacancy, or complying with a government order.
For no-fault terminations, the law requires relocation assistance. In most cases, you can either provide a payment or waive the requirement to pay the last month’s rent. Your termination notice must clearly state the reason and whether it is at-fault or no-fault.
Exemptions to know in Brentwood
AB 1482 does not cover every unit. Some of the most common exemptions for local landlords include:
- Single-family homes and condominiums. These can be exempt from both the rent cap and just-cause rules if two conditions are met: the owner is not a corporate owner and the tenant received the required written exemption notice that names the owner, provides contact information, and states the unit is exempt. If you do not provide the notice, the unit may be treated as covered until you cure it.
- Newer construction. Housing first occupied within the last 15 years is excluded from the rent cap and just-cause rules. The 15-year look-back is rolling, so units age into coverage over time.
- Certain owner-occupied properties. Duplexes or small buildings where the owner lives in one of the units can be exempt under specific statutory definitions.
- Short-term rentals and some subsidized units. Depending on the program or local rules, these may be outside AB 1482 or governed by separate regulations.
Exemptions are fact specific. When in doubt, confirm your ownership type, the property’s first occupancy date, and whether your tenant received the exact exemption disclosure required by law.
SB 567: Enforcement updates
Recent changes identified as SB 567 focus on how tenant protections are enforced. In practice, this means failure to comply with AB 1482 may carry greater risk. Areas to watch include who can bring enforcement actions, potential civil penalties, and the process before penalties are imposed.
For Brentwood landlords, the takeaway is simple. Make sure your exemption claims are accurate and documented, your rent increases follow the cap, and your notices meet content and timing rules. If Contra Costa County or the City of Brentwood creates local enforcement programs, expect more oversight and keep your records organized.
Compliance checklist for Brentwood landlords
Use this quick checklist to tighten up your files and procedures. It is general guidance, not legal advice.
A. Confirm coverage or exemption
- Identify the unit type: single-family, condo, or multiunit.
- Verify owner status: individual vs. corporate or institutional.
- Note the property’s first occupancy date to assess the 15-year rule.
B. If claiming the single-family or condo exemption
- Prepare the required written exemption notice with owner name, contact details, and the exemption statement.
- Deliver the notice to the tenant using a legally acceptable method and keep proof of service.
- Keep evidence of ownership and that you are not a corporate owner.
C. Calculate allowable rent increases
- For covered units, compute the cap as the lower of 10 percent or 5 percent plus regional CPI.
- Track all rent increases and dates so the total within any 12-month period stays within the cap.
- Note the CPI figure and publication you used for your files.
D. Follow just-cause rules
- Track each tenant’s move-in date so you know when just-cause applies.
- If issuing a termination after 12 months, select a permitted cause and state it clearly in the notice.
- For no-fault terminations, prepare the required relocation assistance or last-month rent waiver and include that information in the notice.
E. Keep strong records
- Maintain templates for rent increases, exemption disclosures, and termination notices.
- Keep a tenant file with the lease, rent ledger, notices, and proof of service.
- Retain records consistent with applicable statutes of limitation.
F. Check local requirements
- Periodically review City of Brentwood and Contra Costa County updates for any added tenant protections or rental registration requirements.
- If a local rule provides greater protection than state law, follow the stricter rule for covered units.
G. Before serving notices or filing an eviction
- Confirm the reason qualifies as at-fault or no-fault just cause.
- Verify notice timing and service method.
- Consider consulting counsel to avoid costly missteps.
H. Monitor legislative updates
- Watch for guidance on SB 567 and any state or local enforcement activity.
- Update your templates and practices when rules change.
Practical scenarios
Here are a few situations we often see with Brentwood clients:
- You own a Brentwood single-family home in your personal name and want to raise rent. If you provided the correct exemption notice, AB 1482’s rent cap and just-cause rules may not apply. If you did not provide the notice, treat the unit as covered until you do, and follow the cap and notice rules.
- You bought a townhome built 10 years ago and plan to rent it out. Because it was first occupied less than 15 years ago, it is likely exempt from AB 1482. Document the occupancy date and keep it on file.
- You want to end a tenancy after 14 months for an owner move-in. That is a no-fault just cause. Provide proper written notice, include relocation assistance or last-month rent waiver as required, and follow all timing rules.
- You manage a small 4-unit building and plan two small increases six months apart. Add the increases together to stay within the cap for the 12-month period and provide the correct notices.
How we can help
You do not have to navigate this alone. If you are a small landlord or planning to convert a Brentwood home into a rental, we can help you understand coverage, draft compliant notices, and plan rent strategies that fit the law and the market. If you are a tenant weighing your options, we can explain what the rules mean for your lease and next steps.
Our team pairs East Bay market expertise with a practical, education-first approach. We serve in English and Spanish, and we coordinate financing guidance when you are ready to buy or sell.
Ready to talk through your situation and next steps? Reach out to MVP Real Estate for a quick, confidential consult.
FAQs
Does AB 1482 apply to most rentals in Brentwood?
- Yes, many rentals are covered. However, common exemptions include certain single-family homes and condos with the required disclosure, newer construction within 15 years, and some owner-occupied properties.
How do I calculate the allowed rent increase under AB 1482?
- Use the lower of 10 percent or 5 percent plus the regional CPI across any 12-month period. Track all increases and keep the CPI source in your file.
When do just-cause rules apply to my tenancy?
- After a tenant has occupied the home for 12 months, you need a permitted at-fault or no-fault reason to terminate. Notices must state the reason and meet timing rules.
What happens if I never gave the single-family exemption notice?
- Without the required written disclosure, the unit may be treated as covered by AB 1482 until you deliver the correct notice. Fix the oversight promptly and keep proof of service.
How did SB 567 change enforcement?
- SB 567 focuses on enforcement mechanisms and penalties. Expect increased oversight and consequences for noncompliance, so accurate notices, documentation, and adherence to caps are essential.
