Rent Control in Pomona

Key Takeaways

  • Covers most residential rental units in Pomona regardless of construction year. Exemptions include single-family homes, condominiums, and units otherwise exempt under Costa-Hawkins or AB 1482.
  • Rent increases are capped at 5% per year under Ordinance No. 4359, with only one increase permitted within any 12-month period.
  • Landlords must provide a valid at-fault or no-fault just-cause reason to terminate a tenancy. No-fault terminations require financial relocation assistance.
  • City of Pomona — Rent Stabilization Program: www.cityofpomona.net

Want to skip straight to checking your own building? Use the RentCheckMe address checker.

1. Overview of Rent Control in Pomona

Pomona is a city in the Pomona Valley in Los Angeles County, historically known as the gateway to the Inland Empire. Facing significant rent burden among its largely working-class and Latino renter population, the City of Pomona adopted the Rent Stabilization and Eviction Control Ordinance (Ordinance No. 4359), which took effect on January 1, 2026. The ordinance was driven by years of advocacy from local tenants and housing justice organizations who documented displacement and rapidly rising rents across the city's neighborhoods.

Ordinance No. 4359 provides two core protections: rent stabilization that caps annual rent increases at 5%, and eviction control that requires landlords to cite a valid just-cause reason before terminating any tenancy. Unlike many local ordinances in California, Pomona's law does not impose a construction-year cutoff — it applies to residential rental units regardless of when they were built, subject only to state-mandated exemptions such as those under Costa-Hawkins and AB 1482. This makes it one of the broader local ordinances enacted in the region.

For rental units that fall outside the local ordinance's reach — such as single-family homes, condominiums, and units exempt under state law — California's AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act of 2019) serves as a backstop, capping rent increases at 5% plus local CPI (not to exceed 10%) and requiring just cause for evictions in qualifying units. Pomona renters should determine which layer of protection applies to their specific unit.

2. Who Is Covered by Rent Control in Pomona?

Pomona's Ordinance No. 4359 applies broadly to residential rental units within city limits without regard to the year the unit was constructed. Coverage is determined primarily by whether the unit falls within a state-mandated exemption category.

Units Covered by the Local Ordinance

Units Exempt from the Local Ordinance

AB 1482 as a Backstop

Renters in exempt units — such as single-family homes or newer construction — may still be protected by AB 1482, which caps annual rent increases at 5% plus local CPI (maximum 10%) and requires just cause for eviction in covered tenancies. AB 1482 does not apply to owner-occupied duplexes, properties that are individually owned and the tenant has received proper notice, or units built within the last 15 years.

3. Maximum Allowable Rent Increases

Under Ordinance No. 4359, landlords may increase rent by no more than 5% per year. Only one rent increase is permitted within any 12-month period, regardless of tenancy changes or other circumstances. The 5% cap is a fixed ceiling — it does not fluctuate with the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Petition Process for Above-Cap Increases

Landlords who believe the standard 5% cap does not allow a fair return on their property may petition for a higher increase through one of two processes:

Tenant Petition for Ineligible Increases

If a landlord attempts to impose a rent increase that exceeds the allowable 5% cap or otherwise violates the ordinance, tenants may file a Petition of Noncompliance with the city to dispute the increase. Tenants should document all rent increase notices and respond within any deadlines specified in the notice or ordinance.

AB 1482 Comparison

For units covered by AB 1482 rather than the local ordinance, the applicable cap is 5% plus local CPI, not to exceed 10% annually. The Pomona local ordinance's flat 5% cap is equal to or lower than the AB 1482 cap in most years, making local coverage generally more protective.

4. Just Cause Eviction Protections

Ordinance No. 4359 requires that landlords have a valid just-cause reason before terminating any tenancy covered by the ordinance. Just-cause grounds are divided into at-fault and no-fault categories.

At-Fault Just-Cause Reasons

At-fault terminations apply when the tenant has engaged in conduct that justifies eviction. Common at-fault grounds recognized under the ordinance and aligned with California law include:

No-Fault Just-Cause Reasons

No-fault terminations occur when the tenant has not done anything wrong. Under Ordinance No. 4359, valid no-fault grounds include scenarios such as:

Relocation Assistance

When a landlord terminates a tenancy on no-fault grounds, the ordinance requires the landlord to provide financial relocation assistance to the displaced tenant. The specific amount of relocation assistance is set by the ordinance and may vary based on tenancy length or unit size. Tenants facing a no-fault eviction should contact the city's Rent Stabilization Program immediately to confirm the required assistance amount.

Relationship to AB 1482

AB 1482 also imposes just-cause eviction requirements for tenancies it covers, with similar at-fault and no-fault categories and a relocation assistance requirement for no-fault terminations equal to one month's rent. Pomona's local ordinance provides similar or stronger protections for units within its scope.

5. Local Rules and Special Protections

Pomona administers its rent stabilization program through the city government. Renters and landlords can contact the City of Pomona Rent Stabilization Program for information, registration assistance, and to initiate petition proceedings.

Rental Unit Registration

Landlords of covered rental units are typically required to register their units with the city's Rent Stabilization Program. Registration ensures the city maintains an accurate database of covered units and allows tenants to verify their unit's status. Landlords who fail to register their units may face penalties or restrictions on their ability to collect rent increases.

Tenant Petition of Noncompliance

Tenants who believe their landlord has violated the ordinance — including by imposing an above-cap rent increase or failing to follow proper eviction procedures — may file a Petition of Noncompliance with the city. The petition process provides an administrative hearing at which the tenant can present evidence. If the city finds a violation, it may order the landlord to reduce or refund the impermissible increase.

Landlord Petitions

Landlords may petition for rent increases above the 5% cap through a Fair Return Petition or a Capital Improvement Petition. These petitions are reviewed by the city and tenants are entitled to notice and an opportunity to respond.

Anti-Harassment Protections

Ordinance No. 4359 prohibits landlords from harassing tenants or retaliating against them for exercising their rights under the ordinance, including filing a petition, contacting the city, or organizing with other tenants. Tenants who experience retaliation or harassment should document incidents and report them to the city's Rent Stabilization Program or seek legal assistance.

6. Using RentCheckMe with Official Resources

Use RentCheckMe's address checker to look up whether your specific Pomona address is covered by Ordinance No. 4359 or falls under AB 1482 protections. Enter your address to get a plain-language summary of which protections apply to your unit.

The primary resource for Pomona renters is the city's own Rent Stabilization Program:

7. Resources for Pomona Tenants

8. Important Disclaimer

This page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Rent control laws, ordinance provisions, and administrative procedures can change. The information here reflects Pomona's Ordinance No. 4359 as of May 2026. Renters and landlords should contact the City of Pomona Rent Stabilization Program or a qualified housing attorney for guidance specific to their situation. For free legal assistance, contact a local legal aid organization or call the Housing Is Key hotline at 833-430-2122.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Pomona have rent control?
Yes. Pomona enacted the Rent Stabilization and Eviction Control Ordinance (Ordinance No. 4359), which took effect on January 1, 2026. The ordinance caps annual rent increases at 5% and requires landlords to provide a valid just-cause reason before terminating any covered tenancy. It applies to most residential rental units in the city regardless of when they were built, subject to exemptions under Costa-Hawkins and AB 1482.
What is the rent increase cap in Pomona?
Under Ordinance No. 4359, landlords may raise rent by no more than 5% per year, and only one increase is allowed within any 12-month period. This cap is fixed and does not vary with the Consumer Price Index. Landlords seeking a higher increase must file a Fair Return or Capital Improvement Petition with the city, and tenants may dispute above-cap increases by filing a Petition of Noncompliance.
Is my unit covered by Pomona's rent control ordinance?
Ordinance No. 4359 covers most residential rental units in Pomona regardless of construction year, but exempts single-family homes, condominiums, and units otherwise exempt under the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act or AB 1482. If your unit is a stand-alone house or a condo, it is likely exempt from the local ordinance but may still be covered by AB 1482, which applies its own rent cap and just-cause eviction rules. Use RentCheckMe's address checker or contact the city's Rent Stabilization Program to confirm your unit's status.
Can my landlord evict me without just cause in Pomona?
No, not if your unit is covered by Ordinance No. 4359. Landlords must cite a valid at-fault or no-fault just-cause reason before terminating a tenancy. At-fault reasons include nonpayment of rent and lease violations; no-fault reasons include owner move-in and Ellis Act withdrawal. No-fault terminations require the landlord to pay financial relocation assistance to the displaced tenant.
How do I contact the Pomona Rent Board?
Pomona does not have a separate standalone rent board; the Rent Stabilization and Eviction Control Ordinance is administered by the City of Pomona directly through its Rent Stabilization Program. You can reach the program through the city's official website at www.cityofpomona.net. Tenants can file a Petition of Noncompliance through the city to dispute rent increases or other ordinance violations.

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