Rent Control in Commerce

Last updated: January 2026

Commerce has strong just cause eviction protections and relocation assistance requirements, plus California's AB 1482 statewide rent caps.

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Key Takeaways

  • Coverage: Most rental units built before 2010 (15-year rolling exemption). Single-family homes and condos have limited coverage.
  • Rent Increase Cap: AB 1482 state law: 5% + CPI or 10% max per year. Commerce has no additional local rent cap.
  • Just Cause Protection: Required under Commerce's Just Cause and Tenant Relocation Assistance Ordinance (Chapter 9.95). Stronger than AB 1482 alone.
  • Local Help: City of Commerce administers the ordinance. Relocation assistance: 2x monthly rent or $5,000, whichever is greater.

1. Overview of Rent Control in Commerce

The City of Commerce has a Just Cause and Tenant Relocation Assistance Ordinance (Chapter 9.95 of the Commerce Municipal Code) that provides important tenant protections. However, Commerce does not have local rent control that limits the amount landlords can charge for rent beyond state law.

Since January 1, 2020, California's statewide rent law (AB 1482) provides rent increase protections for many units in Commerce. For covered units, annual rent increases are generally capped at 5% + inflation (CPI), or 10%, whichever is lower.

Commerce's ordinance, effective from August 28, 2020, to January 1, 2030, incorporates the just cause eviction provisions of California's Tenant Protection Act and adds additional relocation assistance requirements.

This article is based on the City of Commerce Municipal Code. It is not legal advice.

2. Who Is Covered by Rent Control in Commerce?

Commerce's ordinance incorporates the coverage rules from AB 1482:

  • Most apartments and multi-family buildings built more than 15 years ago are covered
  • Single-family homes and condos may be exempt if owned by individuals (not corporations or REITs) and proper notice is given
  • Owner-occupied duplexes where the owner lives in one unit are exempt
  • Affordable housing with other rent restrictions may be exempt

Even if a property is exempt from AB 1482's rent caps, it may still be subject to Commerce's just cause eviction protections.

3. Maximum Allowable Rent Increases

Important: Commerce does not have a local rent control ordinance that limits rent increases beyond state law.

For properties covered by AB 1482, rent increases are capped at:

  • 5% + local CPI (inflation), or
  • 10%, whichever is lower

Landlords must provide at least 30 days written notice for increases of 10% or less, or 90 days notice for increases over 10%.

For properties not covered by AB 1482, landlords can generally increase rent to market rates with proper notice.

4. Just Cause Eviction Protections

Commerce's ordinance requires landlords to have a valid reason ("just cause") to terminate a tenancy.

At-Fault Just Causes include:

  • Failure to pay rent
  • Violation of lease agreement
  • Substantial damage to property
  • Illegal activities on premises
  • Creating nuisance that interferes with other tenants

No-Fault Just Causes include:

  • Owner move-in (for owner or family member)
  • Withdrawal from rental market (Ellis Act)
  • Government order requiring vacancy
  • Demolition or substantial remodel

5. Local Rules and Special Protections

Relocation Assistance

For no-fault evictions, Commerce's ordinance requires landlords to provide relocation assistance:

Amount: Two times the current monthly rent or $5,000, whichever is greater.

This helps tenants cover moving expenses, security deposits, and other costs when displaced through no fault of their own.

Minimum Lease Terms

Commerce's ordinance requires landlords to offer:

  • A minimum 12-month written lease at the start of the tenancy
  • If tenant declines: A 6-month lease must be offered
  • If tenant declines both: A shorter-term lease can be negotiated

This protects against very short-term agreements that could circumvent tenant protections.

6. Using RentCheckMe with Official Resources

To check your building's coverage in Commerce:

  • Use RentCheckMe to check if your building is likely covered by AB 1482
  • Review the City of Commerce Municipal Code for the full ordinance text
  • Contact the City of Commerce for questions about just cause and relocation assistance

7. Resources for Commerce Tenants

8. Important Disclaimer

This article is a high-level overview of tenant protections in Commerce based on the City of Commerce Municipal Code. It does not cover every exception and does not constitute legal advice.

For binding guidance, contact the City of Commerce, a qualified attorney, or a tenant counseling organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Commerce have rent control?

Commerce does not have local rent control beyond state law (AB 1482). However, Commerce does have a Just Cause and Tenant Relocation Assistance Ordinance that provides strong eviction protections and requires relocation assistance for no-fault evictions.

How much relocation assistance am I entitled to in Commerce?

For no-fault evictions, Commerce requires landlords to pay relocation assistance equal to two times your current monthly rent or $5,000, whichever is greater.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason in Commerce?

No. Commerce's ordinance requires just cause for evictions. Landlords must have a valid legal reason such as non-payment of rent, lease violations, or qualifying no-fault reasons like owner move-in. For no-fault evictions, relocation assistance is required.

Other Cities in California

Learn about rent control in other cities in California:

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