Resources · Local Ordinances
California Local Tenant Ordinances
Plain-language reference guides to the rent and eviction ordinances in California’s strongest tenant-protection cities.
California’s Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) sets a statewide floor, but cities like San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Los Angeles, and San Jose have local ordinances that go significantly further — stricter just-cause rules, lower rent caps, treble damages, mandatory attorney’s fees. These pages walk through each ordinance in detail, with statutory citations and the carve-backs that matter in practice.
San Francisco
SF Rent Ordinance · Admin Code Chapter 37
One of the most comprehensive local tenant protection laws in the country. Rent control since 1979, 17 enumerated just causes for eviction, mandatory treble damages and attorney's fees for wrongful evictions, and a standalone tenant harassment ordinance (§ 37.10B) enforceable while you're still in your home.
Read the San Francisco ordinance reference →Oakland
Oakland Just Cause for Eviction Ordinance · OMC Chapter 8.22
Covers most rental units in Oakland regardless of building age. Just cause required for eviction, rent control for pre-1983 buildings, and substantial relocation assistance for no-fault evictions.
Read the Oakland ordinance reference →Berkeley
Berkeley Rent Stabilization Ordinance · BMC Chapter 13.76
One of the oldest rent control programs in California, covering most pre-1980 multi-unit buildings. Just cause required for eviction, strict relocation assistance requirements, and an active Rent Stabilization Board.
Reference guide in progress
Los Angeles
LA Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) · LAMC Chapter XV
Covers most multi-unit residential buildings built before October 1, 1978. Just cause required for eviction, annual allowable rent increases, and relocation assistance for no-fault evictions.
Reference guide in progress
San Jose
San Jose Apartment Rent Ordinance · SJMC Chapter 17.23
Covers multi-unit residential properties built before September 7, 1979. Annual rent increase limitations, a formal Rent Arbitration Program, and tenant petition rights for unlawful increases.
Reference guide in progress
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