Used to check 30- or 90-day notice (Civil Code §827)
Most rules allow only one increase per 12 months
Raising rent in California is not as simple as picking a number and sending a text. State statutes, a statewide tenant protection act, and dozens of local rent boards each set limits on how much rent can rise, when it can rise, and how much notice you must give. This guide explains how those rules fit together in plain language, with real dollar examples and official sources—so you can check a proposed increase before you sign a notice or pay a higher amount.
1. Why California Rent Rules Are Layered
California landlords operate under at least three layers of law at once. First, Civil Code §827 sets minimum notice periods for any rent increase. Second, the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act limits what cities can regulate and allows market-rate resets when a tenant vacates. Third, AB 1482 (the Tenant Protection Act of 2019) caps annual increases for many units statewide. On top of that, cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Oakland, and Berkeley run their own rent stabilization programs with caps that are often far lower than the state limit.
The rule tenants benefit from most is simple: when both state and local limits apply, the stricter cap wins. A San Francisco tenant in a pre-1979 apartment might face a 1.6% annual cap even though AB 1482 would allow roughly 8% in the same region. The landlord must follow the lower number.
Month-to-month tenants are especially affected because rent can change with proper notice—but only within legal limits. Fixed-term lease tenants generally cannot see a rent hike during the lease term unless the lease itself allows it.
References:
- California Civil Code §827 — Notice requirements for rent increases
- California Civil Code §§1954.50–1954.535 — Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act
- California Civil Code §§1947.12 et seq. — AB 1482 Tenant Protection Act
2. Statewide Notice: Civil Code §827
Before any cap math matters, California requires written notice. The length depends on the size of the increase, not whether the unit is rent-controlled.
| Total increase over 12 months | Required notice | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 10% or less | 30 days | Civil Code §827 |
| More than 10% | 90 days | Civil Code §827 |
Notice must be in writing and delivered before the increase takes effect. Many cities also require their own notice forms or registration receipts—San Francisco and Berkeley are examples—so local process matters even when the state notice period is met.
Example 1: Small increase, 30-day notice
Scenario: A landlord in San Diego raises rent from $2,200 to $2,350 on September 1, 2026—a 6.8% increase.
Increase: ($2,350 − $2,200) ÷ $2,200 = 6.8% Required notice: 30 days (increase ≤ 10%) Notice must be given by: August 2, 2026 (30 days before Sept 1)
Because the hike is under 10%, a 30-day notice satisfies Civil Code §827. Local caps may still limit the dollar amount.
Example 2: Large increase, 90-day notice
Scenario: Same starting rent $2,200; landlord proposes $2,500 (13.6% increase) effective December 1, 2026.
Increase: ($2,500 − $2,200) ÷ $2,200 = 13.6% Required notice: 90 days (increase > 10%) Notice must be given by: September 2, 2026 (90 days before Dec 1)
Even if AB 1482 might allow a large increase in some cases, missing the 90-day window can make the notice defective regardless of the cap.
3. Costa-Hawkins and Vacancy Decontrol
The Costa-Hawkins Act (1995) shaped modern California rent control. It prevents cities from imposing strict rent control on single-family homes, condominiums, and housing built after February 1, 1995 (with some local variations). It also mandates vacancy decontrol: when a tenant moves out, the landlord may generally set rent at market for the next tenant, subject to other laws.
Vacancy decontrol does not mean “no rules.” AB 1482 may still cap increases for the new tenancy if the unit is not exempt. Local ordinances may also regulate registration, eviction grounds, or relocation assistance even when rent resets on turnover.
Important: Costa-Hawkins removed vacancy control from most local programs. Cities cannot force a landlord to keep rent at the prior tenant’s level forever after a voluntary move-out. Market reset on vacancy is a cornerstone of California rental law.
4. AB 1482: The Statewide Cap (5% + Regional CPI)
AB 1482 applies to many residential rentals from 2019 through 2030 (unless extended). For covered units, annual rent increases are capped at 5% plus the regional Consumer Price Index (CPI), or 10%, whichever is lower. The CPI is the year-over-year change in the all-urban-consumer index for the relevant metropolitan area, as published by California’s Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
For April 2025 → April 2026, sample regional CPI figures used in 2026 caps include:
| Region (CPI-U) | YOY change (Apr 2025 → Apr 2026) | AB 1482 cap (5% + CPI, max 10%) |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles–Riverside–Orange | 3.7% | 8.7% |
| San Francisco–Oakland | 3.8% | 8.8% |
| San Diego | 3.8% | 8.8% |
| California (statewide average) | 3.6% | 8.6% |
Who is exempt from AB 1482?
- Single-family homes and condos owned by a natural person (not a corporation, LLC, or REIT)
- Duplexes where the owner occupies one unit
- Buildings less than 15 years old
- Government-subsidized housing and many affordable-housing programs
- Some nonprofit and deed-restricted units
AB 1482 also limits frequency: generally no more than two increases in 12 months, and requires just-cause eviction protections after 12 months of occupancy (separate from rent caps but part of the same act).
Example 1: AB 1482 cap in Los Angeles region
Scenario: A 20-year-old apartment building in Pasadena (no local rent control). Current rent $3,000. Corporate landlord. CPI for LA region = 3.7%.
AB 1482 cap = 5% + 3.7% = 8.7% (below 10% max) Maximum increase = $3,000 × 0.087 = $261.00 Maximum new rent = $3,000 + $261 = $3,261.00 Proposed rent $3,300 (10%) → exceeds cap by $39 Notice if legal at max: 30 days (8.7% ≤ 10%)
Example 2: Exempt single-family home
Scenario: Individual owner rents out a single-family home in Riverside built in 2005. AB 1482 does not apply (SFR + natural person owner + newer than 15-year threshold may also apply).
AB 1482 cap: Not applicable (exempt) State/local rent cap: None under AB 1482 or typical local RSO Notice still required under Civil Code §827 for any increase
No statewide percentage cap—but notice rules and anti-retaliation laws still apply.
References:
- California Civil Code §1947.12 — AB 1482 rent cap formula
- California Department of Industrial Relations — OPRL regional CPI publications (2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — CPI-U metropolitan area data (https://www.bls.gov/cpi/)
5. Major City Rent-Control Caps in 2026
Local ordinances often cover older multi-unit buildings and publish an Annual General Adjustment (AGA) or allowable increase percentage each year. The table below summarizes major cities for 2026 cycles. Always confirm the exact period on the city rent board website before issuing notice.
| City | Covered units (typical) | 2026 cap / period | Vacancy decontrol? |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | Multi-unit, built before June 1979 | 1.6% (Mar 2026–Feb 2027) | Yes |
| Los Angeles (City RSO) | 2+ units, built ≤ Oct 1978 | 3.0% (Jul 2025–Jun 2026) | Yes |
| Oakland | 2+ units, built before 1983 | 2.3% (Aug 2026–Jul 2027) | Yes |
| Berkeley | Multi-unit, pre-1980 | 1.0% AGA (2026) | Yes (to ceiling) |
| West Hollywood | RSO units (75% of LA CPI, max 3%) | 2.75% (Sep 2026–Aug 2027) | Yes |
| Santa Monica | Multi-unit, pre-1978 | 2.6% GA (Sep 2026) | Yes |
| San José | 3+ units, built ≤ 1979 | 5.0% annual | Yes |
| Sacramento | Citywide tenant protection program | 8.6% (Jul 2026–Jun 2027) | Yes |
Oakland’s formula is 60% of CPI or 3%, whichever is lower—producing 0.8% for Aug 2025–Jul 2026 and 2.3% for Aug 2026–Jul 2027. Berkeley uses 65% of Bay Area CPI capped at 5%. West Hollywood uses 75% of LA-area CPI capped at 3%. San José uses a flat 5% without banking unused increases.
San Francisco in detail
The San Francisco Rent Board announces an Annual Allowable Increase each March. For March 2026 through February 2027, the rate is 1.6%, up from 1.4% the prior year. Coverage applies to most multi-unit buildings built before June 1979. Single-family homes and condos are exempt from local control under Costa-Hawkins. When a tenant vacates, the landlord may reset rent to market for the next tenant—vacancy decontrol—though the new tenancy may still fall under AB 1482 if not exempt. San Francisco also requires just-cause eviction after 12 months and specific rent-increase notice forms available from the Rent Board.
Los Angeles City RSO in detail
The Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance covers most buildings with two or more units built on or before October 1, 1978. For July 2025 through June 2026, the allowable increase is 3.0% as a base rate. Historically, landlords who paid tenant utilities could add an extra 1% utility surcharge; that stacking has been phased out for recent cycles—check the current LA Housing Department bulletin for your effective period. Only one increase per 12 months is allowed under RSO. Units built after 1978 in LA City are not RSO-covered but may still face AB 1482 if applicable.
Oakland, Berkeley, and banking
Oakland’s Rent Adjustment Program covers most buildings with two or more units built before 1983. The cap formula min(60% of CPI, 3%) produced a very low 0.8% cap for Aug 2025–Jul 2026 before rising to 2.3% for Aug 2026–Jul 2027 as inflation ticked up. Oakland allows banking of unused annual adjustments in some cases—meaning a landlord who skipped a prior year’s increase may later apply banked amounts within program limits. Berkeley’s 2026 Annual General Adjustment is 1.0%, derived from 65% of Bay Area CPI with a 5% ceiling. Berkeley also allows banking and separate petition processes for capital improvements. San José explicitly does not allow banking—if you do not take the 5% in a given year, you generally lose it.
Sacramento Tenant Protection Program
Sacramento’s citywide program mirrors AB 1482 mechanics with locally published caps running July through June. For July 2026 through June 2027, the maximum is 8.6% (5% plus Bay Area CPI). The program requires landlord registration and an annual fee (commonly cited at $20 per unit per year in city materials). Registration and fee payment can affect enforcement—landlords should confirm current city requirements before passing through costs or issuing notices.
| City | Base rent | Proposed | Cap % | Max allowed | Notice days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco (2026) | $1,000 | $1,030 | 1.6% | $1,016 | 30 |
| Oakland (2025–26) | $2,000 | $2,100 | 0.8% | $2,016 | 30 |
| LA non-RSO (AB 1482) | $3,000 | $3,300 | 8.7% | $3,261 | 30* |
| San José | $1,800 | $1,950 | 5.0% | $1,890 | 30 |
*10% proposed increase would require 90-day notice if legal; at 8.7% cap only 30 days.
Example 1: San Francisco — local cap beats state cap
Scenario: Pre-1979 two-bedroom in SF. Current rent $1,000. Proposed $1,016 effective March 1, 2026.
Local SF cap (2026): 1.6% Max allowed rent = $1,000 × 1.016 = $1,016.00 Proposed increase: 1.6% → at cap (allowed) AB 1482 cap (~8.8%) does not help landlord—local is stricter Notice: 30 days (≤ 10%)
Example 2: Oakland — proposed increase above cap
Scenario: Oakland RAP-covered unit. Rent $2,000. Landlord wants $2,100 (5%) effective October 2026 (Aug 2026–Jul 2027 period, cap 2.3%).
Oakland cap: 2.3% Max allowed rent = $2,000 × 1.023 = $2,046.00 Proposed $2,100 exceeds cap by $54.00 (2.7% over legal max) Excess portion is void; tenant should not pay illegal amount Notice: 30 days if corrected to legal amount (≤ 10%)
References:
- San Francisco Rent Board — Annual Allowable Increase announcements
- Los Angeles Housing Department — RSO allowable increase bulletins
- City of Oakland — Rent Adjustment Program (RAP) cap publications
- Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board — Annual General Adjustment
- City of West Hollywood — Rent Stabilization Ordinance caps
- City of Santa Monica — Rent Control General Adjustment
- City of San José — Apartment Rent Ordinance
- City of Sacramento — Tenant Protection Program cap schedule
6. CPI Data Behind the Numbers (2024–2026)
AB 1482 and several local formulas depend on CPI—the percentage change in consumer prices over 12 months. California DIR publishes regional indices; BLS publishes metropolitan CPI-U series used for verification.
Sample index values (All Urban Consumers, 1982–84 = 100) from DIR OPRL data:
| Period | California | Los Angeles region | San Francisco region | San Diego |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2025 | 352.063 | 342.565 | 355.707 | 320.795 |
| Apr 2026 | 364.746 | 355.166 | 369.215 | 330.020 |
| YOY % change | 3.6% | 3.7% | 3.8% | 3.8% |
LA calculation: (355.166 ÷ 342.565 − 1) × 100% ≈ 3.7%. Sacramento’s tenant program listed historical caps of 10.0% (2023–24), 9.2% (2024–25), and 7.7% (2025–26) as CPI moderated—illustrating how statewide and city programs track inflation over time.
Developers maintaining calculators should plan to refresh CPI inputs at least twice per year when DIR and BLS publish updated April-over-April figures—the month AB 1482 references for regional inflation. The BLS Developer API (https://www.bls.gov/developers/) and DIR PDF tables are the standard authoritative feeds. Local rent boards typically update AGAs annually on fixed calendars (SF in March, Oakland in August, Santa Monica in September, etc.).
Example 1: Computing LA CPI from index values
Scenario: Verify LA region CPI used in AB 1482.
Apr 2025 LA index: 342.565 Apr 2026 LA index: 355.166 YOY change = (355.166 ÷ 342.565 − 1) × 100 = 3.68% ≈ 3.7% AB 1482 cap = 5% + 3.7% = 8.7%
Example 2: Sacramento cap history context
Scenario: Understanding why 2026 Sacramento cap is 8.6% while 2023–24 was 10%.
When CPI + 5% exceeded 10%, cap hit statutory max: 10.0% (2023–24) As CPI cooled: 9.2% (2024–25), 7.7% (2025–26) Jul 2026–Jun 2027 published cap: 8.6% Formula still min(5% + CPI, 10%)—CPI component drives changes
7. How a Rent Increase Is Calculated Step by Step
Whether you use a spreadsheet or the TTax Calculator WordPress plugin, the logic follows the same sequence:
- Identify coverage. Is the unit under local rent control (city, year built, unit type)? Is AB 1482 applicable or exempt?
- Find local cap for the effective date (published AGA or formula result).
- Find AB 1482 cap = min(5% + regional CPI, 10%) if not exempt.
- Apply the stricter cap when both apply: allowed % = min(local, state).
- Compute max rent = current rent × (1 + allowed %).
- Compare proposed rent. If proposed > max, excess is not legally collectible.
- Check notice. 30 or 90 days under §827; some cities require forms.
- Prorate if mid-month. Extra rent for partial month = (new daily rate − old daily rate) × days remaining.
- Check timing. Most rules allow only one increase per 12 months; banking may apply in Berkeley and Oakland but not San José or SF.
Important: Capital improvement pass-throughs, owner move-in increases, and utility surcharges can allow higher increases in some cities—but only after agency or rent board approval. Standard annual AGAs do not include those petition-based amounts.
Month-to-month tenants can receive increases with proper notice and cap compliance. Fixed-term lease tenants are generally protected from increases during the lease term unless the lease explicitly permits mid-term adjustments (sometimes tied to CPI or stated dollar amounts). At lease renewal, increases must still respect AB 1482, local caps, and notice timing for the renewal rent.
Landlords converting month-to-month after a lease expires should document the transition date—AB 1482 just-cause and cap rules may apply once the tenancy is no longer fixed-term.
Example 1: Fixed lease blocks mid-term increase
Scenario: 12-month lease Jan 1–Dec 31, 2026 at $2,400. Landlord sends increase notice effective July 1, 2026. Lease has no escalation clause.
Increase during fixed term without lease authorization: Not permitted Cap math irrelevant until lease renewal or mutual amendment Tenant may reject increase until Dec 31, 2026
Example 2: Month-to-month after lease ends
Scenario: Same unit becomes month-to-month Jan 1, 2027 at $2,400. Oakland cap 2.3% for Aug 2026–Jul 2027 still applies if covered.
Max rent = $2,400 × 1.023 = $2,455.20 30-day notice required for increase ≤ 10% Last increase date tracking starts fresh if no prior hike in 12 months
8. Notice Timelines and Mid-Month Proration
For a rent increase effective September 1, 2026:
- 30-day notice (increase ≤ 10%): notice by August 2, 2026
- 90-day notice (increase > 10%): notice by June 3, 2026
Example 1: Mid-month proration in Berkeley
Scenario: Rent $1,500. Legal 1.0% AGA increase to $1,515 effective May 16 in a 31-day month.
New monthly rent = $1,500 × 1.01 = $1,515.00 Daily old rate = $1,500 ÷ 31 = $48.39/day Daily new rate = $1,515 ÷ 31 = $48.87/day Days remaining in May (May 16–31) = 16 days Prorated extra for May = ($48.87 − $48.39) × 16 = $7.68 Full $1,515 applies starting June 1
Example 2: Mid-month proration at cap in West Hollywood
Scenario: Rent $2,400. Max 2.75% cap → $2,466. Effective July 10 in a 31-day month.
Max rent = $2,400 × 1.0275 = $2,466.00 Daily difference = ($2,466 − $2,400) ÷ 31 = $2.13/day Days remaining (July 10–31) = 22 days July proration extra = $2.13 × 22 = $46.86
9. Full Worked Scenarios
Scenario A: Los Angeles RSO building (within cap)
Setup: 1975 four-unit building in LA City. Rent $2,800. Proposed $2,884 (3.0%) effective August 1, 2026. Month-to-month.
RSO cap (Jul 2025–Jun 2026): 3.0% Max rent = $2,800 × 1.03 = $2,884.00 Proposed matches cap → Legal AB 1482 (~8.7%) is higher → local cap controls Notice: 30 days (by July 2, 2026)
Scenario B: Non-RSO LA building (AB 1482 only)
Setup: 1990 condo, corporate owner, rent $3,000. Proposed $3,300 (10%).
Not under LA RSO (built after 1978) AB 1482 applies: cap 8.7% Max rent = $3,000 × 1.087 = $3,261.00 Proposed $3,300 exceeds cap by $39 If raised to max 8.7%: 30-day notice If attempted 10%: still only 30 days (10% threshold is exact—10% needs 30 days; >10% needs 90)
Scenario C: Section 8 voucher (edge case)
Setup: Berkeley tenant with HUD voucher. Local cap might allow 1.0% AGA.
State/local cap may calculate to 1.0% → $10 on $1,000 rent Practical rule: Housing authority approval often required before any increase Calculator should flag: verify subsidy program rules
10. Sample Notice Language and Lease Clauses
Professional practice combines statutory citations with clear dollar figures. Below is educational sample language—not a substitute for city-specific forms where required.
Lease clause (rent increases)
“Increases. The landlord may increase monthly rent after providing proper written notice as required by California Civil Code §827 and any applicable local rent ordinance. For month-to-month tenancies, rent is subject to state and local limits including the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482) and [City] rent stabilization rules. Annual increases may not exceed the published allowable percentage or the state cap of 5% plus regional CPI (maximum 10%), whichever is lower when both apply. Notice of at least 30 days is required for increases of 10% or less; 90 days for increases greater than 10%.”
30-day notice outline
30-Day Notice of Rent Increase — Date; tenant name; landlord name and address; rental address; current rent $[A]; new rent $[C] ([B]% increase); effective date (at least 30 days after notice); citation to Civil Code §827 and local ordinance if applicable; signature lines. If the tenant receives a housing voucher, add: “Increase subject to approval by [Housing Authority/HUD].”
Example 1: San Francisco notice content
Scenario: SF Rent Board form used with 1.6% increase from $2,500 to $2,540 effective April 1, 2027.
Notice given: March 1, 2027 (31 days before April 1) Increase: 1.6% → complies with SF AGA Form: SF Rent Board rent increase notice (check current version) Tenant receives copy; keep proof of service
Example 2: 90-day notice for large AB 1482 increase
Scenario: Non-exempt unit in San Diego. Rent $2,000 → $2,250 (12.5% proposed) in AB 1482-covered building.
AB 1482 cap ≈ 8.8% → max rent $2,176 12.5% proposal exceeds cap AND exceeds 10% threshold Legal max increase needs only 30-day notice (8.8%) 12.5% proposal needs 90-day notice but is still illegal above $2,176 Landlord should issue corrected notice at legal max with proper timing
11. Common Questions and Edge Cases
Can my landlord raise rent during a fixed-term lease?
Generally no—unless the lease explicitly allows mid-term increases. Month-to-month tenancies follow notice and cap rules instead.
Does AB 1482 override San Francisco’s 1.6% cap?
No. AB 1482 explicitly does not remove stricter local protections. The tenant gets the benefit of whichever law is more restrictive.
What about ADUs and mobilehomes?
ADUs may be exempt from local caps in some cities but still face AB 1482 or registration rules. Mobilehomes and park spaces often follow separate statutes (for example, LA County mobilehome rent ordinances) with different CPI formulas.
Can unused increases be “banked”?
Depends on city. Berkeley and Oakland allow banking in some circumstances. San José and San Francisco do not. Banking can let a landlord apply prior unused AGAs in a later year—subject to limits and notice.
What about sublets and roommates?
When a tenant sublets, the primary landlord-tenant relationship still governs rent increases—the subtenant’s agreement does not bypass state or local caps on the underlying unit. If the master lease prohibits rent changes, a sublandlord cannot lawfully raise rent beyond that contract.
Capital improvements and pass-through increases
Many rent-controlled cities allow landlords to seek additional increases above the annual AGA for approved capital improvements, seismic retrofit costs, or increased operating expenses. These are not automatic—they typically require filing a petition with the rent board, amortizing costs over years, and sometimes tenant hearings. A standard 1.6% San Francisco AGA does not include a pending capital-improvement pass-through. Calculators focused on annual AGAs should warn users that board-approved surcharges may lawfully raise rent further.
Example 1: West Hollywood 2.75% cap
Scenario: RSO-covered unit. Rent $2,200. Sep 2026–Aug 2027 cap 2.75%.
Max rent = $2,200 × 1.0275 = $2,260.50 Proposed $2,300 (4.5%) → exceeds cap by $39.50 AB 1482 (~8.7% LA CPI region) does not override local 2.75% Notice: 30 days for legal amount
Example 2: Santa Monica 2.6% General Adjustment
Scenario: Pre-1978 four-unit building. Rent $3,100. September 2026 GA 2.6%.
Max rent = $3,100 × 1.026 = $3,180.60 Santa Monica also has rules on maximum dollar adjustments for high-rent units—verify board tables if rent exceeds program thresholds Vacancy decontrol applies on turnover under state law
Mobilehomes and ADUs
Mobilehome park spaces in many counties follow separate rent ordinances—often tied to a percentage of CPI (LA County’s mobilehome programs are a common example). Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) may be exempt from some local caps but subject to registration, just-cause rules, or state ADU legislation (including recent reforms such as SB 378). Always classify the unit type before applying a city apartment cap.
Students, boarders, and owner-occupied units
Some cities exempt in-law units or rooms where the owner lives on site (San Francisco has co-residency exemptions). Those units often fall back to AB 1482 or no cap rather than full local rent control.
What if the increase is retaliatory?
Civil Code §1942.5 prohibits rent increases intended to retaliate for tenant complaints about habitability or rights. An otherwise legal percentage can still be unlawful if motivated by retaliation.
Do registration fees count toward rent?
Some cities charge landlords registration fees (Sacramento’s program is a common example). Whether a fee can be passed through to tenants depends on local ordinance and lease terms—the TTax Calculator focuses on base rent caps, not pass-through surcharges approved by petition.
How often can rent rise under AB 1482?
AB 1482 limits landlords to two increases in any 12-month period for covered units, and local ordinances often allow only one. Track last increase date carefully.
The calculator accepts:
- City (San Francisco, LA, Oakland, Berkeley, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, San José, Sacramento, or other California)
- Unit type, year built, and number of units in the building
- Subsidy, corporate owner, and owner-occupied duplex flags for AB 1482 exemptions
- Current rent, proposed rent, effective date, optional notice date, and last increase date
Results update live: applicable rules, local vs AB 1482 caps, maximum legal rent, compliance status, required notice days, and mid-month proration when the effective date is not the first of the month.ins and statutes remain the legal authority.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. Rent laws change frequently and depend on unit-specific facts (registration status, banking, capital improvement petitions, subsidy contracts, and just-cause eviction rules). Always verify current caps with your city rent board, California Department of Industrial Relations CPI tables, and qualified legal counsel before issuing or paying a rent increase.