Santa Clara County, California

San Jose Rent Control in 2026

San Jose's Rent Stabilization Program allows increases of up to 5% (once in 12 months) 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 San Jose Rent Stabilization Program before you act.

The San Jose rent cap

Allowable increase
5% (once in 12 months)
Units covered
Buildings with 3 or more units that were built and occupied before September 7, 1979 (the Apartment Rent Ordinance).
Exceptions
Buildings with 1 or 2 units, and buildings built after that date, are outside the city cap.
Who runs it
San Jose Rent Stabilization Program

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 San Jose, and what each cap allows

Median asking rents of active San Jose 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 San Jose and the largest yearly increase each cap allows
SizeMedian asking rentCity cap (5%)State cap (8.6%)Listings
Studio$2,421/mo+$121/mo+$208/mo542
1 bedroom$2,958/mo+$148/mo+$254/mo2,916
2 bedroom$3,530/mo+$177/mo+$304/mo3,229
3 bedroom$4,450/mo+$223/mo+$383/mo1,484

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

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

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Questions about San Jose rent control

How much can rent go up in San Jose in 2026?

San Jose's Rent Stabilization Program allows increases of up to 5% (once in 12 months) 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 San Jose apartments are rent controlled?

Buildings with 3 or more units that were built and occupied before September 7, 1979 (the Apartment Rent Ordinance). Buildings with 1 or 2 units, and buildings built after that date, are outside the city cap.

What if my San Jose 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 San Jose?

The median asking rent for a 1-bedroom in San Jose is $2,958 a month, and $3,530 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 San Jose unit is covered?

The San Jose Rent Stabilization Program. Bring your lease, your rent history and any rent increase notice. This page is general information, not legal advice.

Other Bay Area cities

Sources