As a California real estate attorney and template specialist with over 12 years drafting residential lease addendums, I’ve helped thousands of landlords properly document exemptions under Assembly Bill 1482 (AB 1482), California’s statewide rent cap and just cause eviction law. One of the most common mistakes I see is failing to serve a compliant Notice of Exemption from AB 1482 at move-in. This single oversight can cost landlords the ability to raise rent above the capped amount or later lose an eviction case.
In this comprehensive guide, I provide my battle-tested, attorney-reviewed AB 1482 exemption notice template (free download below), explain exactly when and how to use it, and walk you through every qualifying exemption under current 2025 law. Remember: This article and template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed California attorney for your specific situation.
Assembly Bill 1482, codified as California Civil Code §§ 1946.2 and 1947.12–1947.13, went into effect January 1, 2020 and was extended through 2030. It imposes two major requirements on most California landlords:
However, numerous property types and situations are fully or partially exempt. If your property qualifies, you must provide written notice of the exemption before or at the time the tenancy begins (Civil Code § 1946.2(e)(8)(B) and § 1947.12(d)(5)). Failure to serve this notice can result in the loss of your exemption—even if the property technically qualifies (see IRS.gov and California Department of Housing guidance).
The most common exemptions requiring a separate rent cap and just cause addendum or notice include:
| Exemption Type | Key Requirement for Notice | Code Section |
|---|---|---|
| Single-family homes or condos not owned by REIT/corporation | Notice + proof ownership is natural person(s) | § 1947.12(d)(5) |
| Duplex where owner occupies one unit | Notice stating owner-occupancy | § 1947.12(d)(3) |
| New construction (Certificate of Occupancy ≤15 years old) | Notice stating C of O date | § 1947.12(d)(2) |
| ADUs/JADUs built after 2019 rules | Notice + reference local ordinance | § 1947.12(d)(7) |
| Housing with separate deed restrictions (affordable housing) | Notice + reference recorded covenant | § 1947.12(d)(4) |
Download the Free AB 1482 Exemption Notice Template (Word .docx) – Updated November 2025, attorney-drafted, fill-in-the-blank.
Follow these steps to protect your exemption:
Single-Family Home Exemption Example:
“The rental property is a single-family dwelling that is not owned by a corporation, REIT, or LLC with a corporate member. Accordingly, this tenancy is exempt from the rent cap and just cause provisions of Civil Code §§ 1947.12 and 1946.2.”
New Construction 15-Year Exemption Example:
“The building received its initial Certificate of Occupancy on [Date]. Because fewer than 15 years have elapsed, the tenancy is exempt from AB 1482 rent caps and just cause requirements until [Date + 15 years].”
In my practice, I’ve seen these errors repeatedly in court:
Q: Do I need this notice for Section 8 or tax-credit units?
A: No—those are exempt under separate provisions and do not require the addendum.
Q: What if I forget to serve the notice but the property is clearly exempt?
A: Courts have ruled the exemption is waived without timely written notice (see Cal. Civ. Code § 1946.2(e)(8)).
Q: Can I combine this with the required AB 1482 notice for non-exempt properties?
A: No—non-exempt properties require the opposite notice stating the caps apply.
Serving a compliant notice of exemption from AB 1482 takes five minutes and can save you tens of thousands in restricted rent or lost eviction proceedings. Download my free 2025 template today, fill it out, and sleep better knowing your investment is protected under current California law.
Again, this Assembly Bill 1482 addendum and article are provided for informational purposes only and are not legal advice. Laws change frequently—consult a licensed California attorney or your local landlord association to confirm applicability to your property.
Sources: California Civil Code §§ 1946.2, 1947.12–1947.13 (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov); California Department of Housing and Community Development AB 1482 FAQ; IRS.gov (for trust ownership verification).
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