Rent Control in Oxnard

Last updated: January 2026

Local rent control plus California's AB 1482 tenant protections.

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Key Takeaways

  • Coverage: Multi-family properties (2+ units). Not applicable to buildings with 2 units where owner resides in one.
  • Rent Increase Cap: 4% maximum once every 12 months.
  • Just Cause Protection: Required under Oxnard ordinance.
  • Local Help: City of Oxnard Housing Department.

1. Overview of Rent Control in Oxnard

The City of Oxnard has implemented a Rent Stabilization Ordinance and a Tenant Protection Ordinance (Chapter 27 of the Oxnard Municipal Code) to regulate rent increases and provide eviction protections for tenants. These measures aim to provide stability and protection for tenants within the city.

Since January 1, 2020, California's statewide rent law (often called state rent control or AB 1482) also protects many units that are not covered by Oxnard's local ordinance. For those units, annual rent increases are generally capped at 5% + inflation (CPI), or 10%, whichever is lower, for tenants who have lived in the unit for at least 12 months.

This article is a high‑level guide based on public resources such as the City of Oxnard Rent Control and the Oxnard Municipal Code Chapter 27. It is not legal advice.

2. Who Is Covered by Rent Control in Oxnard?

Oxnard's Rent Stabilization Ordinance applies to multifamily residential properties that received their first certificate of occupancy before February 1, 1995, unless a specific exemption applies.

Exemptions:

  • Single-family homes – Single-family homes are exempt from the ordinance under the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, though they may still be protected under California's statewide Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482).
  • Condominiums – Condominiums are exempt from the ordinance under Costa-Hawkins, though they may still be protected under AB 1482.
  • Newer construction – Properties that received their first certificate of occupancy after February 1, 1995 are exempt from the Rent Stabilization Ordinance, though they may still be protected under AB 1482 and may be subject to the Tenant Protection Ordinance. Note: Since we only have year-level data, properties built in 1995 may be covered if built before February 1, 1995, but we cannot determine this without month-level information.
  • Other exemptions – Other exemptions may apply under the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act. For a complete list of exemptions, refer to the Oxnard Municipal Code Chapter 27.

Tools like RentCheckMe can help you check whether your building is likely covered based on its construction year and property type.

3. Maximum Allowable Rent Increases

Under the Rent Stabilization Ordinance, landlords are permitted to increase rent by a maximum of 4% within any 12-month period.

Key rules for rent increases:

  • The maximum rent increase is 4% per year.
  • Landlords are prohibited from imposing more than one rent increase within any 12-month period.
  • Multiple rent increases within this period are prohibited unless exempt under the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act.
  • The rent increase limit applies to units covered by the Rent Stabilization Ordinance.

For the most current rent increase information, contact the City or check the city's website.

4. Just Cause Eviction Protections

Oxnard's Tenant Protection Ordinance limits the grounds for eviction after a tenant has resided in a unit for at least 30 days. This is more protective than AB 1482, which requires 12 months.

If the rental unit is subject to the Tenant Protection Ordinance, tenants can only be evicted for "just cause" reasons, which are broken into two categories: At-fault and No-fault.

At-Fault Just Cause: Landlords may evict a tenant for the following "at-fault" reasons:

  • Failure to pay rent
  • Breach of lease terms
  • Causing a nuisance
  • Criminal activity
  • Other specified reasons in the ordinance

No-Fault Just Cause: Landlords may evict a tenant for the following "no-fault" reasons:

  • Owner or relative occupancy (good faith intent to occupy the rental unit as a primary place of residence by the landlord or the landlord's spouse, domestic partner, children, grandchildren, parents, or grandparents)
  • Withdrawal of the unit from the rental market (subject to the provisions of the Ellis Act)
  • Compliance with government orders
  • Substantial remodeling

Landlords must provide proper written notice and follow the procedures outlined in the Tenant Protection Ordinance when initiating an eviction.

5. Using RentCheckMe with Official Resources

By combining our automated check with trusted resources like the City of Oxnard Rent Control and the Oxnard Municipal Code Chapter 27, you can get both a quick snapshot and deeper, individualized help for your situation.

After you run an address through RentCheckMe, consider:

  • Contacting the City of Oxnard Housing Department for information about the ordinance and compliance
  • Reviewing the Oxnard Municipal Code Chapter 27 for detailed ordinance information
  • Consulting with a qualified attorney or tenant counseling organization
  • Checking the city's website for additional resources and information

6. Resources for Oxnard Tenants

7. Important Disclaimer

This article is intended as a readable, high‑level overview of rent control in Oxnard, drawn from public resources like the City of Oxnard Rent Control and the Oxnard Municipal Code Chapter 27. It does not cover every exception or nuance and does not constitute legal advice.

Laws change, and how they apply can depend on the specific facts of your tenancy, including the exact construction date of your building, whether your unit falls under one of the exemptions, and other factors. Note that the Tenant Protection Ordinance may apply to units that are not covered by the Rent Stabilization Ordinance, providing just cause eviction protections even if rent stabilization does not apply.

For binding guidance about your rights or obligations, speak with the City of Oxnard Housing Department, a qualified attorney, or a tenant‑counseling organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Oxnard have its own rent control ordinance?

Yes, Oxnard has a local rent control ordinance that provides protections beyond California's statewide AB 1482. The local ordinance typically covers more properties and may have stricter rent increase limits.

How much can my landlord raise rent in Oxnard?

For units covered by Oxnard's local ordinance, rent increases are limited by the local rules (often based on CPI). For units only covered by AB 1482, the cap is 5% + CPI or 10%, whichever is lower.

What protections do I have as a tenant in Oxnard?

Tenants in Oxnard may have just cause eviction protections under both the local ordinance and AB 1482, meaning landlords must have a valid legal reason to evict you after you've lived in the unit for a certain period.

Other Cities in California

Learn about rent control in other cities in California:

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