A rent-increase calculation is only useful when the property file, notice, service record, and ledger can support it. Use this owner checklist before a rent-increase notice is prepared, then use the existing Rent Increase Pre-Notice Review for a focused pre-notice review.
California rent-increase owner checklist
Check each item. If a row is unresolved, stop the notice package and record what is missing. The checklist is designed for a long-term owner, inherited property, or self-managing owner who needs one clean decision file.
| Control | Record before service | Stop if |
|---|
| Property identity | Address, city, county status, unit type, certificate-of-occupancy date | The address or jurisdiction is uncertain. |
|---|
| Coverage | Statewide rule, local ordinance, subsidy, affordability restriction, exemption status | More than one rule could apply and no controlling rule is documented. |
|---|
| Rent base | Lowest gross rent or local-law base, current lawful rent, rent components | The calculation starts with a number that the applicable rule does not use. |
|---|
| Rent history | Every increase during the applicable 12-month period and each effective date | A prior increase or mid-period change is missing. |
|---|
| Concessions and credits | Lease language, amendments, gross rent, discounts, credits, and incentives | Gross rent and concessions are blended in one unexplained charge. |
|---|
| Lease file | Fixed or periodic term, required disclosures, exemption language, local addenda | The proposed change conflicts with the lease term or required notice language. |
|---|
| Notice timing | Effective date, 30-day or 90-day test, longer local or program period | The effective date does not leave the full period. |
|---|
| Service proof | Service method, recipient address, date, mailing evidence, local filing or posting record | The route or proof cannot be recreated later. |
|---|
| Local controls | Registration, fee, self-certification, local form, disclosure, language, utility rule | The local agency requires a step that is incomplete. |
|---|
| Ledger control | Recurring-charge effective date, first affected ledger, second-person QA | The ledger would change before the notice is effective or no second reviewer is assigned. |
|---|
Calculation scratchpad
For a covered AB 1482 unit, use the applicable rule and write the inputs into the file before rounding:
Lowest gross rent during the lookback period: $__________
Applicable cap: __________%
Maximum new gross rent: $__________ × (1 + __________) = $__________
Less prior increases already used: $__________
Remaining headroom, if any: $__________
The California 2026–2027 cap guide explains the statewide lowest-gross-rent rule and examples. Local programs can use a different base or calculation. Use the local guide when the property is in Los Angeles County, the City of Los Angeles, or Santa Ana.
Local guide links
Use the checklist as a controlled handoff
Keep the checklist with the lease file, calculation, notice, service record, local registration evidence, and first affected ledger entry. If the owner wants an independent pre-notice review, use the existing Rent Increase Pre-Notice Review. The review is a workflow for decision support and intake. It is not a replacement for the property file or official local instructions.
Related Coastline resources
Review the checklist before service
Request Coastline Equity's Rent Increase Pre-Notice Review before the notice is served.
This educational guide is not legal advice. Confirm the current official statute, agency instructions, and local requirements for the property before serving a rent-increase notice.
Explore Our Services.webp?width=300&height=200&name=charles-forerunner-3fPXt37X6UQ-unsplash-1920w%20(1).webp)
Our Company
About Our CEO
Explore Our Blog
