Want to skip straight to checking your own building? Use the RentCheckMe address checker.
Barstow is a high-desert city of roughly 23,000 residents in San Bernardino County, situated along Interstate 15 between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Renters in Barstow commonly seek information about rent increases, eviction protections, and how to recover their security deposit — all areas governed primarily by California state law rather than any local ordinance.
Unlike cities such as Los Angeles or San Francisco, Barstow has not enacted a local rent stabilization or just-cause eviction ordinance. Tenants here rely on statewide protections — including the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482), the 2024 security deposit cap (AB 12), and the California Anti-Harassment law — for their primary legal safeguards.
This article summarizes those protections as they apply to Barstow tenants. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws may change; consult a licensed California attorney or a local legal aid organization for guidance specific to your situation.
Barstow has no local rent control or rent stabilization ordinance. The city's municipal code (available via Municode Library) addresses code compliance and annual rental property inspections (Chapter 5.91) but contains no provisions capping rent increases.
Instead, many Barstow rentals are subject to California's statewide rent cap under AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act of 2019), codified at Civil Code § 1947.12. For covered properties, annual rent increases are limited to 5% plus the local Consumer Price Index (CPI), with a maximum of 10% in any 12-month period. For the Riverside–San Bernardino–Ontario metro area, consult the California Apartment Association's CPI calculator for the current applicable rate.
AB 1482 exempts certain properties, including single-family homes and condos (with proper notice), buildings constructed within the last 15 years, and owner-occupied duplexes. Tenants in exempt units have no state rent cap and should review their lease carefully.
California provides a robust set of statewide protections that apply to Barstow tenants:
Rent Cap (AB 1482 — Civ. Code § 1947.12): For covered units, rent increases are capped at 5% + local CPI, not to exceed 10% per year. Landlords may not impose more than two increases in any 12-month period.
Just-Cause Eviction (AB 1482 — Civ. Code § 1946.2; SB 567, effective April 1, 2024): After a tenant has lived in a covered unit for 12 months, the landlord must have a valid at-fault or no-fault just cause to terminate tenancy. No-fault evictions (e.g., owner move-in, substantial remodel) require payment of one month's relocation assistance.
Security Deposit Cap (AB 12 — Civ. Code § 1950.5, effective July 1, 2024): Landlords may collect no more than one month's rent as a security deposit for most residential tenancies. The deposit must be returned within 21 days of move-out with an itemized written statement of any deductions.
Notice to Vacate (Civ. Code § 1946.1): For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide 30 days notice if the tenant has resided there less than one year, or 60 days notice if one year or longer.
Habitability (Civ. Code §§ 1941.1, 1942): Landlords must maintain rental units in a habitable condition. Tenants may repair serious defects and deduct the cost from rent (up to one month's rent, no more than twice per year) if the landlord fails to act after reasonable notice.
Anti-Retaliation (Civ. Code § 1942.5): Landlords may not retaliate against tenants for exercising their legal rights, such as reporting habitability problems or organizing with other tenants.
No Self-Help Evictions (Civ. Code § 789.3): Landlords may not lock out tenants, remove doors or windows, or shut off utilities to force a tenant to leave. Violations entitle the tenant to actual damages plus $100 per day of violation.
Source-of-Income Protection (Gov. Code § 12955): Landlords may not refuse to rent to tenants based on their source of income, including Section 8 housing vouchers.
Under AB 12 (effective July 1, 2024), amending Civil Code § 1950.5, California landlords may collect a security deposit of no more than one month's rent for unfurnished units. (An exemption exists for small landlords who own no more than two residential properties totaling no more than four units — they may collect up to two months' rent.)
At the end of the tenancy, landlords must return the deposit (or the unused portion) within 21 calendar days of the tenant vacating. Any deductions must be accompanied by an itemized written statement and copies of receipts for repairs or cleaning costing more than $125.
Permissible deductions include unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, and necessary cleaning to restore the unit to its original condition. Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits may be liable for up to twice the amount wrongfully withheld as a penalty, in addition to actual damages, under Civil Code § 1950.5(l).
To evict a tenant in Barstow, a landlord must follow California's statutory process — self-help evictions are strictly prohibited under Civil Code § 789.3.
Notice Requirements: The type of notice required depends on the reason for eviction:
Just-Cause Requirements (Civ. Code § 1946.2; SB 567): For covered units under AB 1482, after 12 months of tenancy the landlord must state a valid just cause in the notice. At-fault causes include nonpayment of rent, material lease violations, and criminal activity. No-fault causes include owner or family move-in and intent to substantially remodel — both require payment of one month's relocation assistance to the tenant.
Unlawful Detainer (Eviction Lawsuit): If the tenant does not comply with the notice, the landlord may file an unlawful detainer action in San Bernardino Superior Court. The tenant has the right to respond and contest the eviction. Only a court order and a Sheriff's lockout can lawfully remove a tenant.
No Self-Help: A landlord who changes the locks, removes belongings, or shuts off utilities without a court order violates Civil Code § 789.3 and may owe the tenant $100 per day plus actual damages.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant-landlord law can change, and local rules may affect your situation. If you have questions about your specific circumstances, consult a licensed California attorney or contact a legal aid organization in San Bernardino County. Do not rely solely on this article to make legal decisions.
Find out if your home is covered by rent control or tenant protections.
Use the Address Checker →We'll email you if the rent cap, coverage rules, or tenant protections change — no spam, unsubscribe any time.