Santa Clara County, California

Mountain View Rent Control in 2026

Mountain View's Rent Stabilization Division allows increases of up to 2.5% (Sept 1, 2026 to Aug 31, 2027) for the units its rent cap covers. Units outside the city cap may fall under California's statewide cap, which is 8.6% 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 Mountain View Rent Stabilization Division before you act.

The Mountain View rent cap

Allowable increase
2.5% (Sept 1, 2026 to Aug 31, 2027)
How it is set
The formula is 100% of the change in CPI, with a floor of 2% and a ceiling of 5%.
Units covered
Most buildings with 3 or more units built before February 1, 1995.
Exceptions
Newer buildings, and most single-family homes and condos, are outside the city cap.
Also note
Eviction protections reach further than the cap: most buildings with 3 or more units built before December 23, 2016.
Who runs it
Mountain View Rent Stabilization Division

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 8.6% a year in Santa Clara 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 Mountain View, and what each cap allows

Median asking rents of active Mountain View 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 Mountain View and the largest yearly increase each cap allows
SizeMedian asking rentCity cap (2.5%)State cap (8.6%)Listings
Studio$3,595/mo+$90/mo+$309/mo133
1 bedroom$4,140/mo+$104/mo+$356/mo592
2 bedroom$4,636/mo+$116/mo+$399/mo529
3 bedroom$5,700/mo+$143/mo+$490/mo203

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

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

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Questions about Mountain View rent control

How much can rent go up in Mountain View in 2026?

Mountain View's Rent Stabilization Division allows increases of up to 2.5% (Sept 1, 2026 to Aug 31, 2027) for the units its rent cap covers. Units outside the city cap may fall under California's statewide cap, which is 8.6% 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 Mountain View apartments are rent controlled?

Most buildings with 3 or more units built before February 1, 1995. Newer buildings, and most single-family homes and condos, are outside the city cap.

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

California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) may apply. It limits increases to 8.6% for increases that start between August 1, 2026 and July 31, 2027 in Santa Clara 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 Mountain View?

The median asking rent for a 1-bedroom in Mountain View is $4,140 a month, and $4,636 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 Mountain View unit is covered?

The Mountain View Rent Stabilization Division. Bring your lease, your rent history and any rent increase notice. This page is general information, not legal advice.

Other Bay Area cities

Sources