Alameda County, California

Berkeley Rent Control in 2026

Berkeley's Rent Board allows increases of up to 1% (2026) for the units its rent cap covers. Units outside the city cap may fall under California's statewide cap, which is 8.8% for increases that start between August 1, 2026 and July 31, 2027.

General information, not legal advice. Rules checked on October 1, 2026 on the city's site or the California Attorney General's site. Confirm with the Berkeley Rent Board before you act.

The Berkeley rent cap

Allowable increase
1% (2026)
Units covered
Most multi-unit properties built before June 1980 are fully covered.
Exceptions
Condos, single-family homes with tenancies from January 1, 1996, and units with a certificate of occupancy after June 1980 are only partly covered.
Also note
The Rent Board calls the yearly increase the Annual General Adjustment. It is set for each calendar year.
Who runs it
Berkeley Rent Board

If the city cap does not cover you

California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) may apply. For increases that start between August 1, 2026 and July 31, 2027, it allows at most 8.8% a year in Alameda County. It does not cover housing with a certificate of occupancy from the last 15 years, or single-family homes and condos owned by individuals when the landlord gave the required written notice. After 12 months of tenancy, a landlord needs a "just cause" to evict. Under Costa-Hawkins, city caps do not apply to buildings with a certificate of occupancy after February 1, 1995, or to most single-family homes and condos.

What rent costs in Berkeley, and what each cap allows

Median asking rents of active Berkeley listings first listed in the last 180 days, one per unit. The cap columns show the largest yearly increase on a rent equal to that median. Your own rent decides your own increase.

Asking rents in Berkeley and the largest yearly increase each cap allows
SizeMedian asking rentCity cap (1%)State cap (8.8%)Listings
Studio$2,000/mo+$20/mo+$176/mo339
1 bedroom$2,400/mo+$24/mo+$211/mo630
2 bedroom$3,150/mo+$32/mo+$277/mo829
3 bedroom$4,200/mo+$42/mo+$370/mo283

Asking rents as of October 27, 2026. Classified boards are excluded because their room shares carry whole-apartment bedroom counts.

Berkeley rents by bedroom, with the typical range · Apartments for rent in Berkeley

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Questions about Berkeley rent control

How much can rent go up in Berkeley in 2026?

Berkeley's Rent Board allows increases of up to 1% (2026) for the units its rent cap covers. Units outside the city cap may fall under California's statewide cap, which is 8.8% for increases that start between August 1, 2026 and July 31, 2027. Check the date your increase takes effect against the city's period.

Which Berkeley apartments are rent controlled?

Most multi-unit properties built before June 1980 are fully covered. Condos, single-family homes with tenancies from January 1, 1996, and units with a certificate of occupancy after June 1980 are only partly covered.

What if my Berkeley apartment is not covered by the city cap?

California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) may apply. It limits increases to 8.8% for increases that start between August 1, 2026 and July 31, 2027 in Alameda County. It does not cover housing with a certificate of occupancy from the last 15 years, or single-family homes and condos owned by individuals when the landlord gave the required notice.

How much is rent in Berkeley?

The median asking rent for a 1-bedroom in Berkeley is $2,400 a month, and $3,150 for a 2-bedroom. These are asking prices of active listings first listed in the last 180 days, as of October 27, 2026.

Who can tell me for sure if my Berkeley unit is covered?

The Berkeley Rent Board. Bring your lease, your rent history and any rent increase notice. This page is general information, not legal advice.

Other Bay Area cities

Sources