Renting in Alameda: the rules that apply

Each rule below is marked Alameda code or CA state law and links to the section it comes from (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

Alameda code Alameda's Annual General Adjustment, announced each year and effective September 1, limits increases on units not exempt under state law. On units not exempt under state law, Alameda allows 1 increase or Pass Through per 12-month period, none in the tenancy's first 12 months.

All 13 Alameda rules on rent increases, with the code text and the state law underneath →

Alameda code Alameda lists its own eviction reasons, including unpaid rent, lease breach, nuisance, refused access and owner or relative move-in.

All 5 Alameda rules on eviction and just cause, with the code text and the state law underneath →

Alameda code Alameda requires relocation payments when a tenancy ends for owner move-in, market withdrawal, demolition or a capital improvement plan; the City Council sets amounts.

All 12 Alameda rules on relocation payments, with the code text and the state law underneath →

Alameda code Alameda requires every termination notice to state the cause; listed notices go to the Program Administrator within 3 calendar days after service.

All 11 Alameda rules on notices, with the code text and the state law underneath →

CA state law Alameda has no rule of its own on this, so California law applies. Security deposit cap: One month's rent, on top of the first month's rent (Civ. Code § 1950.5(c)(1), (c)(6)). Deposit return deadline: 21 calendar days after the tenant moves out, with an itemized statement of any deductions (Civ. Code § 1950.5(h)(1)). California security deposit law — the full state rule →

Alameda code 180 days Includes Article/state/federal rights; requesting/participating in rent control; refusing/rescinding Buyout Agreements; and rights/participation in Article litigation.

All 4 Alameda rules on retaliation, with the code text and the state law underneath →

Alameda code Interrupt, terminate, or fail to provide housing services required by contract or State/County/local housing, health, or safety laws. Not performing repairs and maintenance required contractually or by State, County, or local housing, health, or safety laws is prohibited.

All 11 Alameda rules on harassment and lockouts, with the code text and the state law underneath →

Alameda code Landlords must not interrupt or terminate any utility service furnished to the housing accommodation. Landlords must not prevent tenants from having reasonable access to their housing accommodation.

All 4 Alameda rules on repairs and habitability, with the code text and the state law underneath →

CA state law Alameda has no rule of its own on this, so California law applies. Landlord entry notice: Reasonable written notice, presumed to be 24 hours, and entry only during normal business hours (Civ. Code § 1954(d)(1), (e)). Landlord entry notice in California — the full state rule →

Alameda code Before a buyout offer, Alameda landlords must give a written disclosure, and tenants may cancel a Buyout Agreement within 30 calendar days.

All 8 Alameda rules on buyout agreements, with the code text →