How to send a rent increase notice in California

In California, a rent increase notice may be delivered by hand delivery, First-Class mail; certified mail is not a listed method. The notice period is 30 days.

Last reviewed September 21, 2026 · Business research, not legal advice.

Requirement	California rent increase notice
Delivery method	Hand delivery, First-Class mail
Notice period	30 days (calendar days)
Deemed received	When it is mailed
Notice must include	The new rent and the day it starts, at least 30 days after notice (90 if the increase is more than 10% of the lowest rent in the prior 12 months), plus 5 days if mailed (§827(b); CCP §1013)
If refused or unclaimed	keep the certified record.
Statutes	Cal. Civ. Code §827(b); Code Civ. Proc. §1013

Step by step

Write the notice with every required element (the California template in Cortul already has them).
Verify the recipient's mailing address with USPS.
Send it by a method the law allows, and keep a mailed copy.
Keep the mailing and tracking records, and your own record of any service you did yourself.
Calendar the deadline from the mailing date.