Adding a bedroom to a unit to increase rent

[Gilbert A.]

Hello,

I recently acquired a 4plex in Southern California and have a question regarding rent increases when adding a bedroom. I plan on adding a bedroom to my 2bd/1ba until by converting the shared laundry room that the unit has interior acces to. 

I know current CA law only allows a rent increase of 5%+CPI but is adding an extra $275/mo by converting that laundry room into a 3rd bedroom considered an increase in rent? In my eyes it is not an increase since I am adding an extra 160sq ft of living space to the 2bd/1ba but this CA rent control does not really cover this situation.

Anyone been in a similar situation recently?

BTW I am moving the laundry to another utility room on the property that seems more fitting as a laundry room.

Thanks in advance