AB 1482's rent cap is for residential property.
California's statewide rent cap and its just-cause rules cover homes. A commercial lease falls outside them, and a few other rules apply instead.
Where the rent cap applies
The rent cap in Civil Code 1947.12 applies to residential real property, defined as a dwelling or unit intended for human habitation (1947.12(g)(4)).[1]
By its own terms, the section is repealed as of January 1, 2030 (1947.12(o)).[1]
The just-cause rules in Civil Code 1946.2 are also for residential tenancies. Their current text was amended by AB 1529, in force since January 1, 2026.[2]
What applies to commercial tenancies instead
For qualified commercial tenants on week-to-week or month-to-month tenancies, SB 1103 set notice periods for rent increases: at least 30 days for 10% or less over 12 months, at least 90 days for more (Civil Code 827(b)).[3]
Civil Code 1950.5, which AB 414 amended for 2026, covers residential deposits. Deposits on commercial leases are covered by 1950.7.[4][5]
One 2026 change does reach commercial evictions. AB 1384 amended Code of Civil Procedure 1170, in force since January 1, 2026: in an unlawful detainer case over a commercial tenancy, the court may move a hearing on a demurrer or motion to strike to a later date if the parties agree in writing, and for good cause to no more than 10 court days after the first date set.[6]
The other tenancy changes in the Department of Real Estate's summary of 2025 bills and in its 2026 guide, California Tenants, are for residential tenancies.[7][8]
Checked October 2026 against official sources
Each statement above links to the official page it comes from. We read every one on October 25, 2026.
- 1Civil Code 1947.12
The statewide rent cap (AB 1482), for residential real property.
leginfo.legislature.ca.gov, checked October 25, 2026
- 2Civil Code 1946.2
Just-cause rules for residential tenancies.
leginfo.legislature.ca.gov, checked October 25, 2026
- 3Civil Code 827
Rent changes in periodic tenancies, including the 30 and 90 day notices for qualified commercial tenants (827(b)).
leginfo.legislature.ca.gov, checked October 25, 2026
- 4Civil Code 1950.5
Security deposits for residential property, including the one-month limit.
leginfo.legislature.ca.gov, checked October 25, 2026
- 5Civil Code 1950.7
Security deposits for nonresidential property, and when the rest comes back.
leginfo.legislature.ca.gov, checked October 25, 2026
- 6Code of Civil Procedure 1170
Demurrers and motions to strike in unlawful detainer, including the 10 court day limit for commercial tenancies (AB 1384).
leginfo.legislature.ca.gov, checked October 25, 2026
- 7Summary of 2025 real estate bills
The Department of Real Estate's list of new laws from 2025.
dre.ca.gov, checked October 25, 2026
- 8California Tenants, 2026 edition (Department of Real Estate guide)
The Department of Real Estate's guide to residential tenants' and landlords' rights, with its list of new laws.
dre.ca.gov, checked October 25, 2026
Change log
- October 23, 2026First version, checked against the official text.
- October 25, 2026Checked again against the official text. Named the Department of Real Estate's 2026 guide by its title.
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