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
A fixed limit: one 5% increase in any 12-month period for covered apartments.
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.
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
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.
Official sources
“Under the Apartment Rent Ordinance, the maximum allowable rent increase is one 5% increase in a 12-month period.”
See something out of date? The methodology page explains how we check figures.
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.