California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) regulates how much landlords can raise rent for their rental properties. This law puts a state-wide limit on rent so that annual increases don't exceed 5% plus the current rate of inflation, or 10% of the current rent—whichever is lower.
In general, a landlord will look for a credit score that is at least “good,” which is generally in the range of 670 to 739. However, that can vary by landlord or property manager, as well as the location in which you're renting.
Renting an apartment isn't as easy as waltzing in and saying “I'll take it!”—particularly in today's competitive rental market. With many prospective tenants to choose from, landlords can be picky, and they will prioritize applicants with a track record of paying off debts and respecting their neighbors and community.
Under AB 1482, landlords are limited to increasing rent by no more than 5% plus the local CPI (inflation rate) or 10%, whichever is lower. The local inflation rate is determined by the California Consumer Price Index (CCPI), which is released annually by the California Department of Finance.
Breaking a lease can feel like a financial scarlet letter. It can have lingering effects on both your rental and credit reports, potentially hampering housing opportunities in the future.
The Takeaway. Breaking a lease, for whatever reason, will not automatically result in a derogatory mark on your credit history. Potential credit problems arise when any incurred debt isn't repaid to the landlord, prompting the landlord to turn the account over to a collections agency.
5 Reasons Tenants Want to Break a Lease Agreement 1: Active Military Duty. Active military duty is one of the few times when a tenant is able to legally break a lease without penalty. 2: The Tenant Unexpectedly Becomes Unemployed. 3: Job Transfer. 4: The Tenant Has Found Another Home. 5: Environmental Factors.
No, as long as the lease ends in good standing it won't have any negative impact on your score beyond the account closing, which often causes a small score dip, not enough to be concerned about.
Here's how to smoothly transfer your apartment lease: Talk to your landlord. Start early and make a plan. Promote your rental unit. Advertise key features of your rental. Coordinate showings of the property. Choosing potential candidates. Provide details and information. Handle the lease transfer.