Rent Control in Palm Springs

Last updated: January 2026

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

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Key Takeaways

  • Coverage: Two-tier system: Units where construction started before April 1, 1979 with rent under $450 as of Sept 1979 and continuous tenancy since Dec 1994 are fully covered. Other units covered by AB 1482-like protections.
  • Rent Increase Cap: Legacy units: 75% of CPI since Sept 1979. Other units: 5% + CPI, max 10%.
  • Just Cause Protection: Required under Palm Springs Rent Control Ordinance.
  • Local Help: City of Palm Springs Community Development Department.

1. Overview of Rent Control in Palm Springs

The City of Palm Springs has a Rent Control Ordinance that was initially adopted in 1980 and has undergone several amendments to address evolving housing needs, including Measure H (1990) and Measure KK (1994). The ordinance regulates rent increases and provides tenant protections 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 Palm Springs'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 Palm Springs Rent Control and the Palm Springs Municipal Code. It is not legal advice.

2. Who Is Covered by Rent Control in Palm Springs?

Palm Springs's Rent Control Ordinance applies to residential rental units constructed before April 1, 1979.

Exemptions:

  • Units constructed after April 1, 1979 – Note: Since we only have year-level data, properties built in 1979 may be covered if built before April 1, 1979, but we cannot determine this without month-level information.
  • Units that rented for more than $450 per month in 1979 – These units are exempt from the ordinance.
  • Owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units – These buildings are exempt from the ordinance.
  • Units owned or subsidized by government agencies – These units are exempt.
  • Hotels and similar transient accommodations – These are exempt.
  • Units on certain Indian lands – These units are exempt.

Tools like RentCheckMe can help you check whether your building is likely covered based on its construction year and property type. However, note that the ordinance has additional exemptions (such as units that rented for more than $450 in 1979) that cannot be determined automatically.

3. Maximum Allowable Rent Increases

Palm Springs's Rent Control Ordinance limits rent increases to 75% of the rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Los Angeles area, with a maximum of one increase permitted per year.

Base Year (1979): The base year for rent calculations is 1979. Landlords are required to maintain the same level of services as provided in 1979. If landlords reduce services provided during that year, they are required to correspondingly decrease rents.

Key rules for rent increases:

  • Only one rent increase is permitted per year.
  • The increase is calculated as 75% of the CPI rise for the Los Angeles area.
  • Landlords must maintain the same level of services as provided in 1979.
  • Any reduction in services requires a corresponding rent decrease.
  • Landlords cannot increase rent for unregistered properties (annual registration is required).

Hardship Petitions: Landlords can petition the Rent Review Commission for rent increases if they can demonstrate that they are not achieving a fair return on their investment. The Rent Review Commission is a five-member body that meets as needed to hear and decide on petitions for hardship rent increases, interpret the rent control ordinance, and make recommendations to the City Council.

4. Just Cause Eviction Protections

Measure KK (1994) established eviction control provisions as part of the rent control ordinance. These provisions help protect tenants from arbitrary evictions and ensure that landlords have valid reasons for terminating tenancies.

The eviction control provisions work in conjunction with California's statewide just cause eviction protections under AB 1482, providing additional protections for tenants in Palm Springs.

5. Using RentCheckMe with Official Resources

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

After you run an address through RentCheckMe, consider:

  • Contacting the Housing & Community Development Department for information about the ordinance and compliance (phone: 760-323-8228)
  • Contacting the Rent Review Commission for information about hardship petitions and ordinance interpretation
  • Consulting with a qualified attorney or tenant counseling organization
  • Reviewing the Palm Springs Municipal Code, Title 4, Chapter 4.02 for detailed ordinance information

Note: The ordinance has exemptions that cannot be determined automatically, such as units that rented for more than $450 per month in 1979. If you believe your unit may be exempt for this or other reasons, contact the Housing & Community Development Department for clarification.

6. Resources for Palm Springs Tenants

7. Important Disclaimer

This article is intended as a readable, high‑level overview of rent control in Palm Springs, drawn from public resources like the City of Palm Springs Rent Control and the Palm Springs Municipal Code. 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 whether your unit rented for more than $450 in 1979, whether your building is owner-occupied, and other factors. For binding guidance about your rights or obligations, speak with the Housing & Community Development Department (phone: 760-323-8228), a qualified attorney, or a tenant‑counseling organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Palm Springs have its own rent control ordinance?

Yes, Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs?

For units covered by Palm Springs'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 Palm Springs?

Tenants in Palm Springs 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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