What's the maximum rent increase in Berkeley for 2026?
1.0%
Berkeley's 2026 Annual General Adjustment is 1.0%, which applies to most fully covered units from January 1 to December 31, 2026. The 2027 figure had not been posted when we checked.
- In effect
- January 1 – December 31, 2026
- Next change
- January 1, 2027
- Set by
- Berkeley Rent Board · City ordinance
- Last checked
- October 17, 2026
The 2026 Annual General Adjustment (AGA) raises rent ceilings for most fully covered units. The 2027 AGA is normally set in October; it was not posted on the Rent Board page when we checked.
How the Berkeley cap is calculated
65% of Bay Area CPI-U, max 5%
65% of the CPI-U for the Bay Area from July 1 through June 30 of the prior year. The AGA is capped at 5% (Measure BB lowered the cap from 7%). Unused AGAs can be banked.
Law: Rent Stabilization Ordinance, Berkeley Mun. Code ch. 13.76.
Who it covers, and who's exempt
Covered
- Units with a certificate of occupancy issued before June 30, 1980 (per the CA AG summary)
Main exemptions & conditions
- Units first occupied after June 30, 1980
- California's Costa-Hawkins rule (summarized by the CA Attorney General): local rent caps do not apply to buildings with a certificate of occupancy issued after February 1, 1995, or to most single-family homes and condos. Those units may still be covered by the statewide AB 1482 cap.
- No increase for the rest of the calendar year in which the tenancy began, or for the next calendar year
- No AGA if registration fees are unpaid, the Board has denied AGAs, there are serious code violations, or security-deposit interest is unpaid
Notice, and when it changes next
Notice: 30 days' written notice for increases of 10% or less; 90 days for more than 10%.
Next change: The Rent Board passes each year's AGA in October and it takes effect January 1. The 2027 figure was not on the Rent Board page as of October 17, 2026.
Official sources
“For units with certificates of occupancy issued before 6/30/80”
See something out of date? The methodology page explains how we check figures.
Frequently asked
What is the maximum rent increase in Berkeley for 2026?
Berkeley's 2026 Annual General Adjustment is 1.0%, which applies to most fully covered units from January 1 to December 31, 2026. The 2027 figure had not been posted when we checked.
How is the Berkeley rent cap calculated?
65% of the CPI-U for the Bay Area from July 1 through June 30 of the prior year. The AGA is capped at 5% (Measure BB lowered the cap from 7%). Unused AGAs can be banked.
Which rentals are exempt from the Berkeley cap?
Units first occupied after June 30, 1980. California's Costa-Hawkins rule (summarized by the CA Attorney General): local rent caps do not apply to buildings with a certificate of occupancy issued after February 1, 1995, or to most single-family homes and condos. Those units may still be covered by the statewide AB 1482 cap. No increase for the rest of the calendar year in which the tenancy began, or for the next calendar year.
When does the Berkeley rent cap change next?
The Rent Board passes each year's AGA in October and it takes effect January 1. The 2027 figure was not on the Rent Board page as of October 17, 2026.
Where does this Berkeley figure come from?
From Berkeley Rent Board: “Annual General Adjustment”, which we last checked on October 17, 2026. Always confirm with the agency before relying on it.