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Bell Gardens · Renting & eviction

Rent increases in Bell Gardens

State cap for covered units: 8.7% for increases from August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027; city-approved extra increases never exceed it. Department-approved extra: up to 3% above the regular annual increase, once per 12 months, for registered covered units below 80% of fair market rent.

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Key points

  • Rent increases: State cap for covered units: 8.7% for increases from August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027; city-approved extra increases never exceed it.
  • Below-market units: Department-approved extra: up to 3% above the regular annual increase, once per 12 months, for registered covered units below 80% of fair market rent.

Each rule below links to the section of the Bell Gardens Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Bell Gardens's code says

Bell Gardens code What Bell Gardens's code adds
Annual increase limit
  • Up to 3% more, on top of the regular annual increase.
    Applies: Only with department approval, for a registered covered unit renting below 80% of fair market rent; once per 12 months, never above the state cap.
    § 5.62.050 · code text
    a landlord may increase the rent, in addition to the annual rent increase allowed under BGMC § 5.62.040, by an amount not to exceed three percent subject to the following:
Floor or ceiling on the increase
  • 80% of fair market rent.
    Applies: Applies to the extra below-market increase; approvals continue only until rent reaches this level.
    § 5.62.050 · code text
    The department shall only approve adjustments to rent increases under this subsection until the rent equals or exceeds 80 percent of fair market rent for a comparable unit.
How often rent can go up
  • Only 1 extra increase can be approved in any 12-month period.
    Applies: Applies to the extra below-market rent increase.
    § 5.62.050 · code text
    Only one additional rent increase may be approved in any 12-month period.
Petitions and pass-throughs
  • Landlord may seek more than allowed increases for a fair return; factors include capital improvements; never above the state cap.
    Applies: The landlord applies to the department and must prove the extra increase is needed.
    § 5.62.070 · code text
    The addition of capital improvements on the rental property.

The California rule underneath

CA state law Underneath, California law still applies. Rent cap right now: 8.7% for increases taking effect August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027 (5% plus 3.7% inflation) (Civ. Code § 1947.12(a)(1), (g)). California's statewide rent cap — the full state rule →

Who this affects

TenantsLandlordsProperty managers

Frequently asked questions

How much can rent go up in Bell Gardens?

State cap for covered units: 8.7% for increases from August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027; city-approved extra increases never exceed it. Department-approved extra: up to 3% above the regular annual increase, once per 12 months, for registered covered units below 80% of fair market rent.

General information, not legal advice.

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California's statewide rent cap

Bell Gardens Municipal Code — full text