Rent Control in Oxnard

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1. Overview of Rent Control in Oxnard

Oxnard, located in Ventura County along California's Southern Coast, is one of the county's largest cities and has historically faced significant housing affordability pressures driven by a large working-class and agricultural workforce. In response to rising rents and tenant displacement concerns, Oxnard enacted its Rent Stabilization Ordinance and Tenant Protection Ordinance under Chapter 27 of the Oxnard Municipal Code. These protections work together to limit annual rent increases and restrict the grounds on which landlords may evict tenants.

The Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) applies to multifamily residential properties that received their first certificate of occupancy before February 1, 1995, and contain two or more units. The companion Tenant Protection Ordinance establishes just-cause eviction requirements and mandates relocation assistance for tenants displaced through no-fault evictions. Together, these measures form Oxnard's primary tenant protection framework under Chapter 27.

For residential units not covered by Oxnard's local ordinance — such as properties built after February 1, 1995, or units otherwise exempt — California's AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act of 2019) may apply. AB 1482 caps annual rent increases at 5% plus local CPI (maximum 10%) and requires just-cause eviction protections for tenants who have lived in a unit for at least 12 months, providing an important statewide backstop where local protections do not reach.

2. Who Is Covered by Rent Control in Oxnard?

Oxnard's Rent Stabilization Ordinance covers multifamily residential rental units that meet the following criteria:

• The property received its first certificate of occupancy before February 1, 1995 (reflected as a cutoff year of 1994 in most databases, though properties completed before February 1, 1995 may qualify even if permitted in 1995)
• The property contains two or more residential units
• No specific exemption applies under the ordinance or the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act

The following properties are exempt from Oxnard's local rent stabilization:

• Single-family homes — exempt under the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act
• Condominiums — exempt under Costa-Hawkins
• Units built on or after February 1, 1995
• Other units that may be exempt under Costa-Hawkins or specific provisions of Chapter 27

If your unit is exempt from Oxnard's RSO, you may still have protections under California AB 1482, which applies to most residential rentals statewide (excluding single-family homes where the owner has provided proper notice, condos, and units built within the past 15 years). AB 1482 limits increases to 5% plus local CPI per year (capped at 10%) and requires just cause for eviction after 12 months of tenancy.

3. Maximum Allowable Rent Increases

Under Oxnard's Rent Stabilization Ordinance (Chapter 27), rent increases for covered units are subject to the following rules:

• Annual rent increases are capped at a maximum of 4% within any 12-month period
• Landlords may impose no more than one rent increase per 12-month period — multiple increases within that window are prohibited unless the unit is exempt under Costa-Hawkins
• The 4% cap is a fixed ceiling and does not automatically adjust with CPI, unlike some other California local ordinances

Landlords must follow proper notice procedures before implementing any rent increase. If a landlord attempts to impose an increase exceeding 4%, or more than one increase in a 12-month period, tenants should document the notice and contact the City of Oxnard Housing Department or a local legal aid organization immediately.

For units covered by AB 1482 rather than the local RSO, the annual cap is 5% plus the local Consumer Price Index (CPI), with a maximum of 10%. In Ventura County, the applicable CPI figure is determined annually and can affect the precise allowable increase under AB 1482 each year.

4. Just Cause Eviction Protections

Oxnard's Tenant Protection Ordinance (part of Chapter 27) restricts landlords from evicting tenants without just cause after a tenant has resided in the unit for at least 30 days. Just-cause grounds are divided into at-fault and no-fault categories.

At-fault just-cause reasons include:

• Failure to pay rent
• Breach of a material lease term
• Causing or allowing a nuisance on the premises
• Criminal activity on or near the property
• Other specified at-fault reasons under Chapter 27

No-fault just-cause reasons include:

• Owner or qualifying relative move-in occupancy
• Withdrawal of the unit from the rental market (Ellis Act)
• Compliance with a government order requiring the tenant to vacate
• Substantial remodeling that requires the unit to be vacant

Relocation assistance is required for all no-fault evictions. Landlords must provide displaced tenants with financial assistance equal to two months of the tenant's rent at the time of displacement or $5,000, whichever is greater. This requirement is a meaningful protection for tenants facing no-fault evictions in Oxnard.

AB 1482 provides similar just-cause protections statewide for units not covered by Oxnard's ordinance, but its protections kick in after 12 months of tenancy (versus 30 days locally) and its relocation assistance requirements differ. Tenants in covered units should rely on the stronger local protections of Chapter 27.

5. Local Rules and Special Protections

Oxnard's rent stabilization and tenant protection framework is administered by the City of Oxnard Housing Department. The ordinance includes several procedural requirements and tenant protections that renters should be aware of:

Unit Registration: Landlords of covered rental units are generally required to register their properties with the city. Failure to register can affect a landlord's ability to lawfully impose rent increases. Tenants who believe their landlord has not registered a covered unit should contact the Housing Department.

Filing a Petition: Tenants who believe their landlord has violated the RSO — including imposing an unlawful rent increase or more than one increase in a 12-month period — may file a petition or complaint with the City of Oxnard Housing Department. Contact the department directly to obtain the appropriate petition forms and learn about the hearing process.

Anti-Harassment Provisions: Chapter 27's Tenant Protection Ordinance prohibits landlord harassment of tenants. Prohibited conduct may include interfering with a tenant's quiet enjoyment, threatening tenants to force them to vacate, or retaliating against tenants who assert their rights under the ordinance. Tenants experiencing harassment should document incidents and report them to the Housing Department or seek legal assistance.

Relocation Assistance Enforcement: If a landlord fails to pay required relocation assistance for a no-fault eviction, tenants may have the right to pursue the amount owed through the city's complaint process or through civil court. Legal aid organizations in Ventura County can assist tenants in enforcing this requirement.

6. Using RentCheckMe with Official Resources

Use RentCheckMe's address checker to look up whether your Oxnard address falls under the local Rent Stabilization Ordinance or AB 1482 protections. Enter your address to get a unit-specific coverage determination.

The following resources can help Oxnard renters understand and enforce their rights:

• City of Oxnard Housing Department — Primary contact for RSO complaints, rent increase disputes, registration questions, and relocation assistance enforcement. Visit oxnard.org/housing or call the city directly.
• Ventura County Legal Aid — Provides free or low-cost legal assistance to eligible renters facing eviction or other housing issues in Ventura County. Search for current contact information through lawhelpcalifornia.org.
• Tenants Together — California's statewide renter advocacy organization offering tenant rights resources and referrals. Visit tenantstogether.org.
• Housing Is Key — California's state tenant assistance program, including resources for renters in need. Call 833-430-2122 or visit housingiskey.com.
• California Courts Self-Help Center — Resources for tenants navigating eviction proceedings. Visit selfhelp.courts.ca.gov.

7. Resources for Oxnard Tenants

• City of Oxnard Housing Department — Administers Oxnard's Rent Stabilization Ordinance and Tenant Protection Ordinance (Chapter 27). Contact for RSO complaints, registration, and relocation assistance.
• Tenants Together — California's statewide renter advocacy organization providing tenant rights resources, education, and local referrals.
• Housing Is Key — California's state tenant assistance program. Call 833-430-2122 for help with housing resources and renter protections.
• Law Help California — Find free and low-cost legal aid organizations in Ventura County and across California for renters facing eviction or housing disputes.
• California Courts Self-Help Center — Self-help resources for tenants involved in eviction proceedings in California courts.

8. Important Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Rent control laws, ordinance provisions, and exemption rules can change; always verify current requirements with the City of Oxnard Housing Department or a qualified attorney. If you have questions about your specific situation, contact the Oxnard Housing Department directly or reach out to a Ventura County legal aid organization for guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions