lease renewal & rent increase

[vrzirn]

San Diego,California. The tenants have a 3 yr lease expiring Feb.
They have 2 one yr options to renew. There is no escalation clause in the lease. May landlord raise the rent or do tenants get to stay at same rent if they exercise option?
LL wants them out so he can live in the house himself and hopes to raise rent enough to force move. They have retained attorney hoping to keep rent the same. Opinion please.

 

[HomeGuru]

San Diego,California. The tenants have a 3 yr lease expiring Feb.
They have 2 one yr options to renew. There is no escalation clause in the lease. May landlord raise the rent or do tenants get to stay at same rent if they exercise option?
LL wants them out so he can live in the house himself and hopes to raise rent enough to force move. They have retained attorney hoping to keep rent the same. Opinion please.

My response: unless stated otherwise in the lease agreement, L cannot raise the rent during the 2 option periods.