Long Beach Landlords, Read This Before You Raise the Rent

Thinking about raising the rent on your Long Beach rental? Before you send that notice and cross your fingers, let’s talk. Because in California, especially in coastal cities like Long Beach, you can’t just wing it. There’s math, there are laws, and yes, there’s definitely a right and wrong way to do it.

Don’t worry, we’ll keep it simple. Short sentences. Real talk. Let’s go.

First, Let’s Talk About Rent Control

Long Beach is in California, and California has rent control. Specifically, the California Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482). If your rental is subject to this law (and there’s a good chance it is), here’s what you need to know:

• You can only raise rent once per year.
• The increase can’t be more than 5% + the local inflation rate (CPI), or 10% total, whichever is lower.
• The current inflation rate for the LA-Long Beach-Anaheim area (as of 2024) is about 4.4%. That means your max rent increase is 9.4% this year.
  

Planning to raise the rent more than that? Hit pause. That’s a legal no-no.

Oh, and if your property is less than 15 years old, a single-family home (not owned by a corporate landlord), or government-subsidized, it may be exempt. But don’t assume, check before you act.

Why Are You Raising the Rent, Anyway?

Let’s be honest. No one raises rent for fun. Usually, it’s one of these:

• Property taxes went up
• Maintenance costs are draining your wallet
• Insurance premiums are ridiculous now
• The market rate around you has climbed
  

All valid. But even with solid reasons, you’ve got to be strategic. Raising the rent too fast can send good tenants running, and finding new ones isn’t cheap.

According to Zillow, the average cost of a vacant unit can hit $1,750+ a month when you factor in lost rent, marketing, and make-ready costs.

What Do Local Rents Actually Look Like?

Let’s do some market math. As of early 2025:

• The average rent in Long Beach is around $2,608/month
• Rents have increased about 4.5% year over year in Long Beach
  

So if your rent is way below market, sure, you’ve got room to grow. But if you’re already at or above average, raising it might not be worth the turnover risk.

And let’s not forget, tenants are savvy. They know the market too. If they can get the same space for less down the street, you might be left with empty walls and no rent checks.

Timing Is Everything

When you raise rent, timing is key. Here’s what works best:

• End of lease term: Avoid mid-lease surprises
• Spring and summer: The rental market is hotter and more flexible
• After improvements: Tenants are more open to increases when they see value
  

On the flip side, try not to raise rent:

• During the holidays (unless you like getting coal)
• Right after a repair disaster
• Without any explanation (a little context goes a long way)
  

Communicate Like a Pro

Tenants don’t just care about how much, they care about how you deliver the message.

Bad:
“Rent is going up. Deal with it.”

Better:
“We’re adjusting the rent to better reflect current market rates and rising property costs. We value you and hope you’ll stay with us!”

Best:
Include a smile, maybe a small upgrade (new AC filters? fresh paint?), and give 60+ days’ notice, even if 30 is technically enough. Generosity buys goodwill.

What If Tenants Push Back?

Some will. Even if you do everything right.

The key is empathy. Offer options if you can:

• Break the increase into two stages
• Offer a longer lease at the current rate
• Add value: smart home features, better landscaping, etc.
  

Remember, tenant retention saves money. Keeping a great tenant is usually more profitable than squeezing out a few extra bucks.

Rent Increase? Don’t DIY the Legal Part

This is the part where we say: Don’t mess this up. Here’s what a proper rent increase notice needs in California:

• Must be written
• Must include the amount of the increase
• Must be served with enough notice:
  • 30 days if the increase is under 10%
  • 90 days if it’s 10% or more (but don’t forget AB 1482 caps!)
    

Plus, if your unit is subject to rent control, you may need to cite the reason or legal basis. A notice that’s off by one detail? That’s a judge’s dream and a landlord’s nightmare.

Need Help? Call the Local Experts

Between juggling laws, market trends, and tenant expectations, raising rent in Long Beach is no small task. That’s where CMC Realty & Property Management comes in.

We’re based right here in Long Beach and know the rent control rules like the back of our hand. Whether you need:

• Help drafting legal rent increase notices
• Market analysis to see what your place is really worth
• Strategies to keep great tenants happy while increasing revenue

We’ve got your back. No guesswork. No legal gray zones. Just smart, savvy property management with local flavor.

You can even let us handle all the tenant communication so you can focus on, well, literally anything else.

Check us out.

Final Thoughts

Raising rent is part of business. But in Long Beach, you’ve got to do it with brains, not just guts.

So stay informed. Keep it legal. Be human. And if you want a team that makes it all way easier, give us a call. Because peace of mind is priceless.