Check out your renter's rights under California's Department of Consumer Affairs.Specifically, this booklet will guide you through (look at page 30 regarding raising rent):http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/landlordbook/catenant.pdfThe rental raise rules will depend on the type of lease/rental agreement that you signed. For example, California law guarantees you at least 30 days' advance written notice of a rent increase if you have a month-to-month (or shorter period) of a rental agreement.There are other examples in this booklet. If you have further questions, you could also try contacting the Department of Consumer Affairs.