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Sacramento Landlord Authority Guide

AB 1482 vs Sacramento Measure Q: Which Law Applies?

Sacramento's November 2024 Measure Q added a third layer to an already complex stack. Here is the definitive breakdown of which law governs your rental and what each requires in 2026.

By Justin Borges, Realtor | DRE #01940318 | Updated April 2026 | 25 min read

Quick Answer: Sacramento landlords face up to three simultaneous legal frameworks in 2026: (1) California AB 1482, the statewide tenant protection law; (2) the City of Sacramento's pre-existing just-cause eviction ordinance; and (3) Sacramento Measure Q, which voters approved in November 2024. The more protective provision always controls. Measure Q is the newest and most expansive — it extends stronger rent control to units that AB 1482 covers and adds protections AB 1482 does not include. Your property's construction date, type, and tenant's length of residency determine which rules govern. Critically, Measure Q applies only within Sacramento city limits — landlords in Roseville, Folsom, Elk Grove, Davis, Rancho Cordova, and Lincoln operate under AB 1482 only.

I spent much of early 2026 fielding calls from Sacramento landlords who purchased investment properties before Measure Q passed and are now trying to figure out what changed. The honest answer: a lot changed for some owners, and almost nothing changed for others. The key is understanding where Measure Q fits relative to what was already on the books.

Sacramento had AB 1482 (the 2019 state law) plus its own local just-cause eviction ordinance before voters ever saw Measure Q on the ballot. Measure Q, which took effect in early 2025, added rent control caps and expanded just-cause protections for a broader set of Sacramento properties. The result is a layered system that requires property-by-property analysis rather than blanket rules.

One pattern I see constantly: investors who bought multifamily in Elk Grove or Roseville thinking they got a "Sacramento deal" are often surprised to learn Measure Q does not apply to them at all. Measure Q is a City of Sacramento ordinance. The suburbs operate under different — and in many cases, more landlord-friendly — rules. That distinction alone can shift a cap rate calculation by 50 to 100 basis points.

This guide is the companion to the broader Sacramento just-cause eviction guide. That article covers the eviction mechanics. This one focuses specifically on the comparison between the three frameworks and how to figure out which governs your specific rental unit.

$485K
Sacramento Median Home Price Q1 2026
3%
Measure Q Annual Rent Cap (City of Sac)
10%
AB 1482 Maximum Annual Cap
1995
City Just-Cause Ordinance Cutoff Year
$1,850
Avg Sacramento 2BR Rent (2026)
28
Avg Days on Market, Sac Metro (Apr 2026)
$3,456
Annual NOI Gap: AB 1482 vs Measure Q (4-unit)
2025
Measure Q Effective Year

1. The Three-Layer Framework

Understanding Sacramento's rental regulation landscape requires holding three distinct legal frameworks in your head simultaneously. They overlap in some areas, diverge in others, and the more protective provision always controls. Here is a high-level map before diving into each.

FrameworkSourceEffectiveRent CapJust-CauseGeographic Scope
AB 1482State law (CA)Jan 20205% + CPI, max 10%Yes (12-mo trigger)All of California
City Just-Cause OrdinanceSacramento CityPre-2019NoneYes (pre-1995 units, 12-mo trigger)Sacramento city limits only
Measure QSacramento voter initiativeEarly 20253% or CPI, whichever lowerYes (expanded coverage)Sacramento city limits only
The More Protective Rule Controls When multiple laws apply to the same property, Sacramento courts and enforcement agencies apply the provision that provides greater protection to the tenant. This means a landlord cannot rely on AB 1482's 10% cap if Measure Q's 3% cap also applies to their unit. The lower cap controls. The same principle applies to just-cause requirements, notice periods, and relocation assistance amounts.

Think of these frameworks as concentric circles. AB 1482 is the outermost circle — it covers most of California. The City of Sacramento's pre-existing just-cause ordinance is the middle circle — it adds local rules on top of AB 1482 but only within city limits. Measure Q is the innermost, most restrictive circle — passed by voters in November 2024, it added a rent cap and expanded just-cause protections on top of both prior frameworks. If your property sits inside all three circles, all three apply simultaneously, and you must comply with the strictest version of each rule.

Not Sure Which Framework Governs Your Sacramento Rental?

I can walk through the property-by-property analysis with you. Getting this wrong — especially the Measure Q vs AB 1482 distinction — has real dollar consequences at sale and on your annual NOI.

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2. AB 1482: What State Law Requires

AB 1482, the California Tenant Protection Act of 2019, created statewide just-cause eviction protections and a rent increase cap for most residential rental units in California. It was the first statewide rent control law California had passed in decades, and it fundamentally changed the landlord-tenant landscape across the state — including all Sacramento metro cities from Elk Grove to Rancho Cordova to Lincoln.

What AB 1482 Covers

AB 1482 applies to most residential rental units in California that are at least 15 years old (a rolling window updated each year), where the tenant has resided for at least 12 months. The law covers apartment buildings, duplexes, triplexes, and most single-family homes that meet the age threshold and for which the landlord has not properly served an AB 1482 exemption notice. As of 2026, the rolling window covers units built before 2011 — units constructed in 2011 or later remain exempt from AB 1482's rent cap provisions until they reach the 15-year threshold.

Key AB 1482 Exemptions

AB 1482 exempts the following property types from its rent cap and just-cause provisions:

  • Newly constructed units built within the past 15 years (the rolling window)
  • Single-family homes and condos where the owner served the statutory exemption notice at or before lease signing
  • Owner-occupied properties with two or fewer units where the owner lives in one unit
  • Certain government-subsidized affordable housing regulated by other statutes
  • Student dormitories and college housing facilities
  • Properties subject to deed restrictions limiting affordability to lower-income households

The exemption notice requirement is the one that trips up the most landlords. Without the proper statutory notice served at lease signing, even an otherwise exempt single-family home or condo may lose its AB 1482 exemption for that tenancy. If you are not sure whether your property's exemption notice was properly served, that is the first thing to verify before attempting any above-cap rent increase.

AB 1482 Rent Cap

For covered units, AB 1482 limits annual rent increases to 5% plus the percentage change in the local consumer price index, or 10%, whichever is lower. For Sacramento in 2026, the Sacramento-Roseville-Arden-Arcade MSA CPI figure applies. Based on current inflation trends, the effective 2026 cap is in the 6–8% range for most Sacramento-area properties covered by AB 1482 alone. This cap applies per unit per 12-month period, and landlords cannot bank increases from prior years — a landlord who did not raise rent last year cannot raise it by double this year.

AB 1482 Just-Cause Requirements

Beyond the rent cap, AB 1482 prohibits "no-fault" evictions of long-term tenants without specific permissible reasons. Once a tenant has occupied a unit for 12 months (or 24 months in multi-unit buildings), the landlord must have an enumerated at-fault or no-fault just-cause reason to terminate the tenancy. At-fault causes include non-payment of rent, lease violations, and illegal use. No-fault causes — which require relocation assistance — include owner move-in, substantial rehabilitation, and withdrawal from the rental market.

Investing in Roseville, Folsom, or Elk Grove? AB 1482 Is Your Framework.

Sacramento suburbs operate under AB 1482 only — no Measure Q. That means more landlord flexibility on rent growth. Browse available investment properties in the Sacramento suburbs.

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3. Measure Q: What Changed in 2025

Measure Q is the element that most Sacramento landlords I speak with have not fully analyzed. It was approved by Sacramento voters in November 2024 and took effect in early 2025. It differs from AB 1482 in several meaningful ways that affect how landlords manage rent increases and terminations — and it exists alongside, not instead of, the prior frameworks.

Measure Q's Rent Cap

Measure Q imposes a stricter rent cap than AB 1482. Under Measure Q, annual rent increases for covered units are limited to 3% or the percentage change in CPI, whichever is lower. In a low-inflation environment — like the one Sacramento experienced in 2024 and early 2025 — this can mean a cap of 2–3% when AB 1482 would have permitted 6–8%. This is a substantial difference for landlords trying to keep rents aligned with rising operating costs. Property insurance, property taxes (which Mello-Roos CFD assessments can augment in certain Elk Grove and Folsom districts), and maintenance costs are not capped at 3%. Only the rent increase is.

Measure Q's Coverage

Measure Q covers a broader set of Sacramento residential rentals than AB 1482's rent cap provisions. While AB 1482 exempts units built within the past 15 years from rent caps, Measure Q's exact coverage parameters are defined in the initiative text and may apply to some units that AB 1482 exempts. Sacramento landlords should review the full Measure Q text and consult with a local landlord-tenant attorney to determine whether their specific unit falls within Measure Q's coverage definition. As a practical starting point, assume that any City of Sacramento residential rental unit that is not brand-new construction and for which no specific Measure Q exemption exists is likely covered by Measure Q until you have confirmed otherwise.

Measure Q's Just-Cause Provisions

Measure Q also strengthened Sacramento's just-cause eviction protections. It extended just-cause coverage to certain units that the prior city ordinance did not reach and clarified the relocation assistance requirements for no-fault terminations. In general, if you were already operating under Sacramento's pre-existing just-cause ordinance, Measure Q's just-cause provisions may add requirements you were not previously subject to — including stronger tenant re-occupancy rights when the stated termination reason was owner move-in or substantial rehabilitation.

How Measure Q Was Enacted

Measure Q passed as a voter initiative in November 2024 with approximately 55% support citywide. Because it was enacted by voters — not the city council — it has a higher threshold for amendment or repeal: it requires another voter initiative or specific legislative process. This stability is relevant for investors modeling long-term cash flows. Unlike a city council ordinance that might be amended after an election, Measure Q's core provisions are relatively durable.

Critical Point for Property Investors Measure Q's 3% rent cap can materially affect the income projections that buyers use to value Sacramento rental properties. If you bought a Sacramento rental in 2022–2024 projecting 6–8% annual rent increases under AB 1482 and Measure Q now caps you at 2–3%, your underwriting assumptions may be off. This is one of the first things I discuss with Sacramento investor clients when reviewing their portfolio. The 2026 re-underwriting exercise is essential for any owner who acquired City of Sacramento rentals before Measure Q took effect.

4. Which Law Governs Your Property

The practical analysis for a Sacramento landlord runs through a series of questions. Work through these in order to determine which framework, or combination of frameworks, governs your rental unit. The analysis is the same regardless of whether the property is in the City of Sacramento, Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova, or any other part of the metro area — but the answers differ significantly based on location.

Property TypeCity of SacramentoElk Grove / Roseville / FolsomKey Analysis Point
Pre-1995 multifamily (5+ units)All three frameworks; Measure Q 3% cap controlsAB 1482 only (5%+CPI cap)Location determines which caps apply
Pre-1995 SFR, no exemption noticeCity ordinance + AB 1482 + review Measure QAB 1482 + verify exemption noticeSFR exemption requires proper notice at lease signing
Post-1995, pre-2011 multifamilyAB 1482 + possibly Measure QAB 1482 (no Measure Q)Rolling 15-year window; confirm current year coverage
Post-2011 constructionLikely only AB 1482 or noneLikely exempt from AB 1482 (verify year)New construction exemption; verify Measure Q coverage
SFR with proper AB 1482 exemption noticeReview Measure Q separatelyLikely fully exemptAB 1482 exemption ≠ Measure Q exemption in Sacramento
Condo with proper AB 1482 exemption noticeReview Measure Q coverageLikely fully exemptAnalyze each framework independently
Do Not Assume AB 1482 Exemption = Measure Q Exemption This is the most common analytical error I see Sacramento landlords make. The AB 1482 SFR exemption and the Measure Q coverage definitions are independent. A property that is exempt from AB 1482's rent cap may still fall within Measure Q's coverage. Always analyze the property under each framework separately. If in doubt, treat the property as covered by Measure Q and seek written confirmation before attempting an above-3% rent increase.

5. Sacramento vs Suburbs: City Limits Matter

One of the most practically important distinctions in Sacramento rental law is geographic: Measure Q applies only within the incorporated City of Sacramento. If you own a rental in any of the surrounding suburban cities, you are outside Measure Q's reach entirely. This is not a loophole — it is simply the law's defined scope. Here is how the major Sacramento metro cities break down.

City of Sacramento
Measure Q + AB 1482 + City Ordinance

All three frameworks apply within city limits. The 3% Measure Q rent cap controls for most covered units. City of Sacramento is the only jurisdiction in the metro area subject to Measure Q.

Roseville
AB 1482 Only

Roseville is an independent city in Placer County. No Measure Q, no Sacramento city ordinance. AB 1482 applies to qualifying units (15+ years old, 12-month tenancy). Note Mello-Roos CFD districts in newer developments may affect operating costs.

Folsom
AB 1482 Only

Folsom operates entirely under AB 1482 statewide rules for qualifying units. No local rent control measures. Investors here have more upside flexibility under the 5%+CPI cap. Significant Mello-Roos assessments in newer planned communities affect carrying costs.

Elk Grove
AB 1482 Only

Elk Grove is an incorporated city in Sacramento County but separate from the City of Sacramento. Measure Q does not apply. AB 1482 governs qualifying units. Elk Grove has several active CFD (Mello-Roos) districts that investors should factor into analysis.

Rancho Cordova
AB 1482 Only

Incorporated as its own city in 2003. Not subject to Measure Q or Sacramento city ordinances. AB 1482 applies to qualifying units. A common destination for Bay Area and LA investors seeking more favorable landlord-side economics in the Sacramento metro.

Davis
AB 1482 + Possible Local Rules

Davis has its own history of tenant-protective local policies. AB 1482 governs statewide protections. Not subject to Sacramento's Measure Q. University of California presence creates strong rental demand. Williamson Act agricultural easements affect land surrounding the city.

Lincoln
AB 1482 Only

Lincoln is in Placer County, well outside Sacramento city limits. AB 1482 applies to qualifying units. No local rent control. Significant growth in Sun City Lincoln Hills senior community. Generally considered among the most landlord-friendly jurisdictions in the metro.

Natomas
Verify Location — May Be City of Sacramento

Natomas refers both to a neighborhood within Sacramento city limits (subject to Measure Q) and to unincorporated areas. The Natomas Unified School District straddles multiple jurisdictions. Properties within the city boundary are subject to Measure Q. Verify your parcel's city affiliation before assuming exemption. Flood zone / levee disclosure requirements apply regardless.

Bay Area and LA Transplant Investors: Suburb Advantage Many Bay Area and LA transplants buying their first Sacramento investment property specifically choose Elk Grove, Roseville, or Folsom because they want the Sacramento price point without the Measure Q rent cap constraint. A comparable 4-unit in Elk Grove vs City of Sacramento may produce $3,000–$5,000 more in NOI annually over a 5-year hold due to greater rent growth flexibility under AB 1482 alone. That translates to meaningful cap rate and exit valuation differences at a typical Sacramento GRM. If you are prioritizing income growth over location proximity, the suburbs often pencil better.

Investing in Sacramento Suburbs? Let's Find the Right Property.

I specialize in Sacramento metro multifamily and single-family rentals across all jurisdictions. Whether you want City of Sacramento value-add or suburban growth potential, I can run the numbers for your target market.

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6. Rent Cap Comparison and NOI Impact

For most Sacramento landlords, the most financially significant difference between these frameworks is the rent cap. The gap between AB 1482's cap and Measure Q's cap can be several percentage points in any given year, which compounds significantly over a 5–10 year hold period.

2026 Annual Rent Increase Caps (Approximate)

AB 1482 Maximum (5% + CPI, cap 10%)~8–10%
AB 1482 Typical (current CPI environment)~5–7%
Measure Q (3% or CPI, whichever lower)~2–3%

Practical NOI Impact on Sacramento Investors

Consider a Sacramento 4-unit building with an average in-place rent of $1,800 per month across all units. Under AB 1482 at a 7% annual increase, each unit gains $126 per month in additional rent, producing $504 per month across the building, or $6,048 per year. Under Measure Q's 3% cap, the same building generates $54 per unit per month, $216 per month building-wide, or $2,592 per year. The gap is $3,456 annually in rent growth. Over a 5-year hold, that difference compounds to over $17,000 in forgone revenue — before any impact on exit valuation.

ScenarioAnnual Rent Per Unit% CapAnnual Gain/Unit4-Unit Annual Gain5-Year Cumulative
AB 1482 @ 7% (suburbs)$1,800/mo7%$1,512/yr$6,048/yr~$34,600
Measure Q @ 3% (City of Sac)$1,800/mo3%$648/yr$2,592/yr~$13,900
Gap (AB 1482 over Measure Q)4 pts$864/yr$3,456/yr~$20,700

The valuation impact at exit compounds this further. Sacramento investors buying multifamily typically apply a gross rent multiplier or cap rate to NOI. A property generating $3,456 more per year in rent income, valued at a 6.5% cap rate, is worth approximately $53,000 more at exit than an identical property constrained by Measure Q's 3% cap — all else being equal. This is the core reason sophisticated Sacramento investors model the regulatory framework before any other underwriting variable.

Capital Improvement Pass-Throughs

Sacramento landlords subject to Measure Q should be aware that the ordinance may include a process for petitioning above-cap rent increases tied to documented capital improvements. This is not a right to unilaterally raise rent — it is a petition process that requires submitting cost documentation, providing proper notice to tenants, and potentially attending a hearing. Not every improvement qualifies. Work with a Sacramento landlord-tenant attorney before assuming a renovation justifies an above-cap increase.

Buying or Selling a Sacramento Rental Property? Let's Run the Numbers.

I can help you model the impact of Measure Q versus AB 1482 on your Sacramento rental's valuation before you buy — or properly frame the regulatory picture before you sell.

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7. Just-Cause Rules Comparison

Beyond rent caps, just-cause eviction protections are the other major area where these three frameworks diverge. A Sacramento landlord who wants to terminate a tenancy must ensure their reason is valid under whichever framework applies, and must follow the procedural requirements of the most protective applicable law.

Termination ScenarioAB 1482City OrdinanceMeasure Q
Non-payment of rentYes, at-faultYes, at-faultYes, at-fault
Lease violationYes, at-faultYes, at-faultYes, at-fault
Nuisance / illegal useYes, at-faultYes, at-faultYes, at-fault
Owner move-inYes, no-faultYes, no-faultYes, with additional requirements
Substantial rehabYes, no-faultYes, no-faultYes, stricter permit requirements
Ellis Act withdrawalYes, no-faultYes, no-faultYes, no-fault (enhanced relocation)
Relocation required?Yes (no-fault cases)Yes (no-fault cases)Yes (no-fault, possibly higher amounts)
Tenant re-occupancy rightLimitedYes (some cases)Expanded

What Measure Q Added (Landlord Perspective)

  • Clearer framework for some termination types
  • Explicit procedures reduce ambiguity
  • Consistency with statewide direction
  • Clear relocation amounts codified

What Measure Q Added (Landlord Cost)

  • Stricter 3% rent cap reduces NOI growth
  • Expanded coverage catches more properties
  • Additional compliance documentation required
  • Stronger tenant re-occupancy rights post-termination
  • Higher potential relocation assistance amounts

Owner Move-In Under Measure Q

Owner move-in (OMI) terminations are among the most scrutinized eviction types under Measure Q. The owner — or a qualifying family member — must genuinely intend to occupy the unit as a primary residence, and that occupancy requirement typically runs for a minimum period after the termination. Under Measure Q, the tenant's re-occupancy right means that if the owner fails to move in within the required window, or moves out prematurely, the tenant may have a right to return at the prior rent. Sacramento landlords considering OMI terminations should document their intent thoroughly and consult legal counsel before serving any notice.

8. Relocation Assistance Requirements

One of the most practically significant and often miscalculated aspects of Sacramento's layered rental law framework is relocation assistance. Any no-fault termination under a covered tenancy requires the landlord to pay relocation assistance — and the amounts under Measure Q may exceed those required by AB 1482 alone.

FrameworkRelocation TriggerAmount FormulaPayment Timing
AB 1482No-fault termination of 12-mo+ tenantOne month's rentAt or before notice service
City OrdinanceNo-fault termination of covered unitVaries by bedroom countAt or before notice service
Measure QNo-fault termination of covered unitOne month HUD fair market rent (may be higher)At or before notice service

The key distinction is that AB 1482 calculates relocation assistance based on the tenant's actual rent — which may be well below market due to rent cap constraints. Measure Q may calculate assistance using HUD fair market rent for the Sacramento metro area, which as of 2026 stands at approximately $1,650 for a one-bedroom, $2,050 for a two-bedroom, and $2,650 for a three-bedroom unit. If a long-tenured tenant is paying $1,200 per month on a rent-controlled unit but the HUD fair market rent for that bedroom size is $2,050, the Measure Q relocation payment is based on the higher figure — potentially $850 more than what AB 1482 alone would require.

Budget for Relocation Before Serving Any No-Fault Notice The number of Sacramento landlords who have served an owner move-in or substantial rehabilitation notice without the required relocation assistance payment — and then faced wrongful eviction claims — is significant. The relocation payment must typically accompany or precede the notice, not follow it. A defective relocation payment is often grounds for the tenant to void the notice entirely and remain in possession. Get the calculation right before you serve the notice.

9. Compliance Checklist: 7 Steps Every Sacramento Landlord Should Take

If you own rental property in the Sacramento area and have not yet done a full regulatory audit of each unit, 2026 is the year to do it. Here is a systematic approach to getting your portfolio into compliance and keeping it there.

  • Identify each unit's geographic jurisdiction

    Confirm whether each property is within the incorporated City of Sacramento or in a suburban city (Elk Grove, Roseville, Folsom, Rancho Cordova, Lincoln, Davis). Natomas properties require special attention — some parcels are within Sacramento city limits and some are not. Use the Sacramento County Parcel Viewer or contact the city planning department to confirm jurisdiction for ambiguous addresses.

  • Determine each unit's construction year

    The AB 1482 rolling 15-year exemption is updated annually. As of 2026, units built before 2011 are within AB 1482's coverage window. Units built in 2011 or later are currently exempt from AB 1482's rent cap. Track each unit's year built and calendar when each crosses into coverage. For Measure Q, confirm whether the initiative's coverage definition uses the same rolling window or a different cutoff.

  • Verify AB 1482 exemption notices for SFRs and condos

    If you own single-family rental homes or condominiums, pull the original lease for each tenancy. Confirm the AB 1482 statutory exemption notice was included. If it was not, the property may no longer be exempt for that tenancy. Keep copies of all executed leases with the exemption language. For new tenancies, ensure the notice language is included before signing.

  • Document current rent levels against applicable cap

    For each covered unit, record the current rent, the date of the last increase, and the applicable percentage cap (3% for Measure Q units; 5%+CPI for AB 1482-only units). Calculate the maximum allowable increase and the date on which the next increase may be taken. Maintain this as a running spreadsheet — it will be the first document you need if a tenant disputes an increase.

  • Serve proper rent increase notices with correct timing

    In California, rent increases of 10% or less require 30 days' notice. Increases above 10% require 90 days' notice. Since Measure Q limits most increases to 3%, the 30-day notice applies in most Sacramento cases. The notice must state the new rent amount, the effective date, and reference the applicable law. Defective notices — wrong notice period, missing information — are unenforceable and restart the clock.

  • Calculate relocation assistance before serving any no-fault notice

    If you are planning any no-fault termination — owner move-in, substantial rehabilitation, Ellis Act withdrawal — calculate the correct relocation assistance under all applicable frameworks. Use the higher of the AB 1482 and Measure Q amounts. Prepare the payment in advance. The notice cannot be served without the payment ready to accompany it.

  • Consult a Sacramento landlord-tenant attorney annually

    The Sacramento regulatory landscape changes. Measure Q was enacted in 2024. Prior to that, the city ordinance was amended multiple times. New interpretations emerge through litigation and administrative guidance. An annual review with a local landlord-tenant attorney — not a generalist, but someone who specifically practices in this area — costs far less than a wrongful eviction defense. Build this into your operating budget as a line item, not an exception.

Thinking About Selling Your Sacramento Rental? Know the Rules First.

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10. How These Laws Affect Selling a Sacramento Rental

If you are a Sacramento rental owner thinking about selling, all three of these frameworks affect your exit strategy, your buyer pool, and your sale price. Sophisticated Sacramento investors who buy rentals will underwrite the property under whichever framework applies, and that underwriting directly determines how much they will pay.

Measure Q's Effect on Cap Rates and Valuations

Properties subject to Measure Q's 3% rent cap are valued on lower projected NOI growth trajectories than properties covered only by AB 1482. In practice, Sacramento buyers who would have used a 5.5% cap rate on an AB-1482-only property may demand a 6.0–6.5% cap rate on a Measure Q property, reflecting the constrained income upside. At typical Sacramento rent levels, that cap rate difference translates to roughly $50,000–$150,000 in purchase price on a 4-unit building, depending on current rents and the spread between in-place and market rents.

Disclosure Requirements When Selling

Sacramento sellers of rental properties must disclose which regulatory frameworks apply to the property as part of the Transfer Disclosure Statement process. Buyers are entitled to know whether the property is subject to Measure Q, AB 1482, or the city ordinance, and what the current rent levels are relative to market rate. Failing to make these disclosures creates post-close liability. Buyers who discover undisclosed rent control status after close have grounds for rescission or damages. For a full walkthrough of the selling process, see the Sacramento tenant-occupied home selling guide.

Marketing to the Right Buyer Pool

A Sacramento rental covered by Measure Q should be marketed to investors who understand rent-controlled markets and who buy based on current income rather than rent upside. These buyers exist — they are often Bay Area transplants accustomed to far more restrictive rent control regimes who find Sacramento's Measure Q relatively manageable by comparison. The key is honest presentation: lead with current income, strong occupancy, and quality tenants rather than projections of aggressive rent growth that the law will not permit. Concealing Measure Q coverage and hoping a buyer does not notice is not a strategy — it is a recipe for rescission and potential litigation.

Owner-Occupied Buyers vs Investor Buyers

One exit strategy that some Sacramento multifamily landlords consider is selling to an owner-occupant who will move into one unit and owner-occupy. This approach can sometimes yield higher prices than the investor market — owner-occupants often pay above investor-derived valuations because they are purchasing a home, not underwriting an income stream. However, existing tenant protections still apply, and an owner-occupant cannot simply terminate existing tenancies to take possession without following the applicable just-cause procedures, including serving proper OMI notices and paying relocation assistance.

AB 1482 vs Measure Q Quick Reference

If your property is in City of Sacramento and covered by Measure Q: 3% annual cap applies. Disclose to buyers. Model NOI on constrained growth.
If your property is in Roseville, Folsom, Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova, or Lincoln: Measure Q does not apply. AB 1482 governs qualifying units (5%+CPI cap, max 10%).
If your property is only covered by AB 1482 (City of Sac, newer unit): 5% + CPI cap (max 10%) applies. More income flexibility than Measure Q.
If your property is exempt from both: No rent cap. Still check pre-1995 city ordinance just-cause rules and whether proper exemption notices were served.
If you want to raise rent this year: Determine applicable cap. Document the increase and notice properly. Keep records. 30 days' notice for increases at or below 10%.
If you are planning a no-fault termination: Calculate relocation assistance under all applicable frameworks. Pay the higher amount. Have payment ready before serving notice.
If you are selling to an investor: Disclose applicable law. Market to investors who specialize in regulated rentals. Lead with current income, not rent upside projections.

Sacramento Landlord Questions? Get Clarity Before You Act.

I work with Sacramento rental property owners on compliance analysis, sale strategy, and portfolio decisions across the entire Sacramento metro — City of Sacramento, Elk Grove, Roseville, Folsom, Davis, and beyond.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Measure Q apply to single-family homes in Sacramento?
The answer depends on Measure Q's specific coverage definition as enacted, which is more detailed than this article can fully capture. In general, single-family homes that were exempt from AB 1482's rent cap because the owner provided proper exemption notice may still be analyzed under Measure Q separately. Sacramento landlords with SFR rentals should review the Measure Q text or consult a local landlord-tenant attorney rather than assuming the AB 1482 exemption automatically carries over to Measure Q. This is one of the most consequential analytical errors I see Sacramento single-family rental owners make.
Which law sets my maximum allowable rent increase in 2026?
The more protective (lower) cap controls. If Measure Q's 3% cap applies to your City of Sacramento property, you are capped at 3% regardless of what AB 1482 would otherwise permit. If only AB 1482 applies — which is the case for qualifying rentals in Roseville, Folsom, Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova, Davis, Lincoln, and other suburban cities — your cap is 5% plus the Sacramento MSA CPI percentage change (typically putting the effective 2026 cap in the 6–8% range). You cannot use whichever cap is higher; you must use the lower of the applicable caps.
Does Measure Q apply in Roseville, Folsom, or Elk Grove?
No. Measure Q is a City of Sacramento voter initiative that applies exclusively within Sacramento city limits. Roseville (Placer County), Folsom (Sacramento County but its own incorporated city), Elk Grove (incorporated separately in 2000), Rancho Cordova (incorporated in 2003), Davis (Yolo County), and Lincoln (Placer County) are all entirely outside Measure Q's geographic scope. Landlords in these cities are governed by AB 1482 statewide rules and any applicable local ordinances, but not by Measure Q. This is a significant landlord advantage in the Sacramento suburbs relative to the city proper.
When did Measure Q take effect in Sacramento?
Sacramento voters approved Measure Q in November 2024 with approximately 55% support. The measure took effect in early 2025. Rent increase notices and eviction actions initiated after the effective date must comply with Measure Q where it applies. Notices that were already properly served before the effective date under prior law generally remain valid under existing case law, but any new actions must comply with the updated framework. Landlords who served AB 1482-compliant notices in late 2024 and are now seeking to initiate new actions should confirm their procedures against the Measure Q requirements.
Can Sacramento landlords charge more than 3% if they make improvements to the unit?
Measure Q and Sacramento's regulatory framework may include provisions for capital improvement pass-throughs, but these require a specific petition and approval process rather than a unilateral rent increase decision. You cannot simply make an improvement and then raise rent above the 3% cap without following the applicable petition process. That process typically involves documenting costs, providing notice to tenants, and in some cases a hearing before a rent board or administrative body. The costs eligible for pass-through, the percentage of those costs that may be passed through, and the amortization period are all defined in the ordinance. Get specific legal guidance before relying on the capital improvement exception.
How does AB 1482 interact with Measure Q for just-cause evictions?
Both laws require just-cause for covered units, and when both apply the landlord must satisfy the requirements of whichever is more stringent. In practice, this means using the broadest list of permitted termination reasons (the intersection of what both allow), the longest required notice periods, and the highest required relocation assistance amounts. A termination that satisfies AB 1482 but fails to meet Measure Q's procedural requirements — such as failing to pay the correct relocation amount — constitutes a wrongful eviction under Measure Q even if it would have been valid under AB 1482 alone. Sacramento landlords should run every no-fault termination through both frameworks before serving any notice.
Does Measure Q affect Sacramento condos differently than apartments?
Condominiums are treated distinctly in California rent control law because AB 1482 exempts condos where the owner has provided proper exemption notice. Whether Measure Q follows the same condo exemption framework or applies its own definition is a key question that Sacramento condo landlords should verify. Given the complexity and the financial stakes, I recommend getting a clear written answer from a Sacramento landlord-tenant attorney before assuming your condo is exempt from Measure Q's rent cap and just-cause provisions. Do not assume that because you served the AB 1482 exemption notice at lease inception, your condo is also exempt from Measure Q.
How much relocation assistance is required under Measure Q for a no-fault eviction?
For no-fault terminations under Measure Q, relocation assistance is generally calculated based on one month of fair market rent as determined by HUD for the Sacramento metropolitan area, which may be higher than the tenant's actual below-market rent. As of 2026, HUD fair market rents for Sacramento are approximately $1,650 for a one-bedroom, $2,050 for a two-bedroom, and $2,650 for a three-bedroom unit. If your tenant is paying $1,200 per month on a rent-controlled one-bedroom, Measure Q may require relocation assistance at or near the $1,650 HUD FMR figure — not the $1,200 in-place rent figure that AB 1482 alone would use. Confirm the exact formula under the current Measure Q text with a local attorney before serving any no-fault notice.
I own property in Natomas. Does Measure Q apply?
Natomas is not a single jurisdiction — it straddles multiple boundaries. The Natomas neighborhood within Sacramento city limits is subject to Measure Q and all other City of Sacramento ordinances. However, some Natomas-area parcels are in unincorporated Sacramento County or in the city of West Sacramento, and those properties are not subject to Measure Q. The fact that a property has a Sacramento mailing address does not by itself mean it is within Sacramento city limits. Check your parcel's city affiliation using the Sacramento County Parcel Viewer or contact the Sacramento City Planning Department. Also note that Natomas properties carry specific flood zone and levee disclosure obligations under California law regardless of which rent law applies — these are separate disclosure requirements that affect both sale and lease transactions in the area.
I bought a Sacramento rental in 2022 before Measure Q passed. Do I need to do anything?
Yes. If your property is within Sacramento city limits and subject to Measure Q's coverage, you need to do four things: (1) Confirm the property is covered by Measure Q by reviewing the initiative text or consulting an attorney; (2) Determine what the maximum allowable rent increase is for each unit as of the current date; (3) Review your lease agreements to confirm you have not served any above-cap notices since early 2025 — if you have, those notices may be defective and a tenant could challenge any resulting rent increase; and (4) Update your underwriting model for the property's valuation assuming the 3% cap applies going forward. If you are considering a sale, get in touch to discuss how to properly represent the regulatory status to potential buyers. Call (916) 587-6670 to discuss your specific situation.

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Justin Borges

Realtor | DRE #01940318 | Justin Borges at eXp Realty

13+ years California real estate. $200M+ career sales. 106% list-to-sale ratio. I specialize in tenant-occupied properties, multifamily, and complex regulatory environments across LA and Sacramento markets.

680 E Colorado Blvd Suite 180, Pasadena, CA 91101 | (916) 587-6670 | justin@lametrohomefinder.com

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LA Metro Home Finder | Justin Borges

Justin Borges, Realtor | DRE #01940318 | eXp Realty | 680 E Colorado Blvd Suite 180, Pasadena, CA 91101

Sacramento: (916) 587-6670 | justin@lametrohomefinder.com

For informational purposes only. Not legal advice. Consult a California landlord-tenant attorney for your specific situation. Laws current as of April 2026.

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