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Rent Adjustment Program
250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 5th Floor
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: 510.238.3721 Fax: 510.238.6181
Drop-in hours are:
Monday - Friday, 10 am - 12 pm and 2 pm - 4 pm
2008 allowable increase is 3.2%,
effective July 1, 2008
Click here for details
Contents
The Rent Adjustment Program enforces the
Rent Adjustment Ordinance
which prevents excessive residential rent increases. Enforcement of the Ordinance is governed by rules and procedures.
Allowable Rent Increases
About the Rent Adjustment Program
The Housing Residential Rent-Relocation Board
Challenging a Rent Increase
Responding to a Challenge to a Rent Increase
Other Information
Contact Rent Adjustment Section staff
Allowable Annual Rent Increase -
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New! 2008 allowable increase is 3.2%.
Rent increases for this rent adjustment may be implemented no earlier than July 1, 2008. Notices of rent increases must comply with California State law.
By California Civil Code Section 827, if the increase is greater than 10%, 60 days notice is required; if the increase is 10% or less, 30 days notice is required.
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July 1, 2007: 3.3%
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May 1, 2006: 3.3%
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May 1, 2005: 1.9%
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May 1, 2004: 0.7%
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May 1, 2003: 3.6%
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July 1, 2002: 0.6%
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March 1, 1995 - June 30, 2002: 3% per year
About the Rent Adjustment Program
The Rent Adjustment Program works to encourage open communication and to foster a climate of understanding between Oakland landlords and tenants by providing mediation services for cases involving rent increases and some evictions.
Tenants may file a petition to challenge a rent increase that they believe to be in violation of the Rent Adjustment Ordinance. Cases are initially presented to Hearing Officers, who make a decision after reviewing information from both the tenant and the landlord.
Hearing Officers also review some issues pertaining to Oakland's Just Cause for Eviction Ordinance.
The Rent Adjustment Program also provides forms and processes applications for landlords who wish to go out of business consistent with the provisions of California's Ellis Act. Click here for more information.
Housing Residential Rent-Relocation Board
The Board hears appeals from Hearing Officer decisions and recommends regulations regarding the Rent Adjustment Ordinance.
The Board also hears appeals related to Housing Code Compliance issues and those related to Relocation Services.
Click here for information about Board Meetings.
Challenging a Rent Increase
If a landlord increases rents by more than the allowable annual rent increase in less than a 12-month period, or gives more than one increase in a 12-month period, tenants may file a petition with the Rent Adjustment Board.
Tenants have 60 days to file after receiving the written notice from their landlord. See the Tenant Information section for details and forms.
Responding to a Challenge to a Rent Increase
Upon receipt of a petition from a tenant, a Rent Adjustment staff member notifies the landlord of the tenant's complaint. Landlords are asked to bring supportive information showing justification for the additional increase. The justifications that will establish rental increases above the current CPI limits are:
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capital improvement costs
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increased operating costs
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rent increases not taken in prior years ("banking")
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increased mortgage costs
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repair costs not covered by insurance
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fair rate of return on investment for owners (as provided for under California law)
See the Landlord Information section for details and forms.
Other Information
Copies of Documents - Copies of documents can be obtained by filling out the Request for Copies form and returning it to the Rent Adjustment Program for pre-payment.
Legal Issues and Rights - the Rent Adjustment Board Staff cannot offer legal advice. View our other resources section to find legal resources to help you.
Other Disputes - for assistance with rental disputes not related to rental rates or increases, see the rental disputes page.
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