Renting in Albany: the rules that apply

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

Albany code A tenant may request city review of an increase, or increases in 12 months, over 5% above base rent; review does not delay it. State law caps covered units at 8.8% for increases from August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027.

All 5 Albany rules on rent increases, with the code text and the state law underneath →

CA state law Albany has no rule of its own on this, so California law applies. Just cause required: After 12 months of lawful occupancy, the owner may terminate only for a just cause stated in the notice (Civ. Code § 1946.2(a)). Just-cause eviction in California — the full state rule →

CA state law Albany has no rule of its own on this, so California law applies. No-fault eviction relocation assistance: One month's rent (as relocation payment or rent waiver), paid within 15 calendar days of the notice (Civ. Code § 1946.2(d)(3)(A)). Relocation under California's just-cause law — the full state rule →

Albany code The written review request, with a copy of the notice, goes to the Director within 15 calendar days of receiving the increase notice.

All 3 Albany rules on notices, with the code text and the state law underneath →

CA state law Albany 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 →

CA state law Albany has no rule of its own on this, so California law applies. Retaliation protection period: For 180 days after a tenant complains about habitability (to the landlord or an agency), the landlord may not evict, raise rent or cut services in retaliation (Civ. Code § 1942.5(a), (b)). Retaliatory eviction in California — the full state rule →

CA state law Albany has no rule of its own on this, so California law applies. Lockouts and self-help eviction banned: A landlord may not change locks, remove doors or windows, or remove the tenant's belongings to force a tenant out (Civ. Code § 789.3(b)). Utility shutoffs banned: A landlord may not cut off water, heat, electricity, gas or other utilities to force a tenant out (Civ. Code § 789.3(a)). Tenant harassment and lockouts in California — the full state rule →

CA state law Albany has no rule of its own on this, so California law applies. Duty to keep the unit habitable: The landlord must deliver a unit fit to live in and repair conditions that make it untenantable (Civ. Code § 1941). Repair and deduct: A tenant may make a repair the landlord neglects and deduct the cost from rent, up to one month's rent, no more than twice in any 12 months (Civ. Code § 1942(a)). Habitability and repair-and-deduct — the full state rule →

CA state law Albany 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 →

Albany code Condo conversion moving pay: up to 3 times monthly rent for tenants over 62 with 2+ years there; up to 1-1/2 times for others.

All 10 Albany rules on condo conversions, with the code text →

Albany's code also has these chapters. We have not summarized their values on this page yet; read them in the library.

• Rent Review Program (§ 5-25)