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California City is a desert community in northern Kern County, incorporated in 1965 and covering a large land area with a relatively small population. Renters here most often ask about rent increases, security deposit returns, and what happens if a landlord tries to evict them without proper notice.
The city has not enacted any local rent control or tenant-protection ordinances. That means California state law — including AB 1482, SB 567, and AB 12 — is the primary legal framework protecting California City tenants. Those laws provide meaningful protections: capped rent increases, just-cause eviction requirements for covered units, a one-month security deposit cap for most units, and a strict ban on self-help evictions.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant-landlord law changes frequently; consult a qualified attorney or legal aid organization for advice specific to your situation.
California City has no local rent stabilization or rent control ordinance. Tenants in California City are governed solely by California state law.
Under AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act of 2019), codified at Civil Code § 1947.12, landlords of covered residential units may not raise rent by more than 5% plus the local CPI rate, with an absolute maximum of 10% in any 12-month period. This cap applies to most multifamily buildings that are at least 15 years old and are not otherwise exempt (e.g., single-family homes or condos where the owner has provided proper notice of exemption, new construction built within the last 15 years, and certain other categories). If your unit is exempt, the landlord may raise rent by any amount with proper notice.
California law provides several important baseline protections for all renters, including those in California City:
Rent Increases (Civ. Code § 1947.12): For covered units under AB 1482, rent increases are capped at 5% + local CPI, never exceeding 10% per year. Landlords must give 30 days' written notice for increases under 10% and 90 days' notice for increases of 10% or more.
Security Deposits (Civ. Code § 1950.5; AB 12, eff. July 1, 2024): For most new tenancies, landlords may collect no more than one month's rent as a security deposit. The landlord must return the deposit within 21 calendar days after the tenant vacates, along with an itemized statement of any deductions.
Habitability (Civ. Code §§ 1941.1, 1942): Landlords must maintain rental units in a habitable condition, including working heat, plumbing, electrical systems, weatherproofing, and — effective January 1, 2026 — functioning stoves and refrigerators. If a landlord fails to repair a serious defect after notice, tenants may have the right to repair-and-deduct or withhold rent in limited circumstances.
Retaliation Prohibition (Civ. Code § 1942.5): A landlord may not retaliate against a tenant for exercising legal rights (such as requesting repairs or contacting a housing agency). Retaliatory acts within 180 days of such activity are presumed unlawful.
Source-of-Income Discrimination (Gov. Code § 12955): Landlords may not refuse to rent to tenants based on their lawful source of income, including Section 8 housing vouchers.
Self-Help Eviction Ban (Civ. Code § 789.3): Landlords may never lock out a tenant, remove doors or windows, or shut off utilities to force a tenant to leave. Such actions are illegal and expose the landlord to significant civil liability.
Under Civil Code § 1950.5 and AB 12 (effective July 1, 2024), the security deposit cap for most new residential tenancies in California — including California City — is one month's rent. (An exception applies where the landlord is an individual who owns no more than two residential rental properties with a combined total of no more than four units; those landlords may collect up to two months' rent.)
After a tenant vacates, the landlord has 21 calendar days to either return the full deposit or mail an itemized statement of deductions along with any remaining balance and supporting receipts. Deductions are limited to unpaid rent, cleaning costs beyond ordinary wear and tear, and damage caused by the tenant.
If a landlord wrongfully withholds a deposit in bad faith, the tenant may sue in small claims court and recover up to twice the amount wrongfully withheld, in addition to the actual deposit amount, under Civil Code § 1950.5(l).
In California City, landlords must follow California state eviction procedures — there is no local eviction ordinance that modifies these rules.
Notice Requirements (Civ. Code § 1946.1): For month-to-month tenancies, the landlord must give at least 30 days' written notice if the tenant has lived there less than one year, or 60 days' written notice if the tenant has lived there one year or more. For nonpayment of rent, the landlord must serve a 3-day notice to pay or quit. Other lease violations also typically require a 3-day notice to cure or quit.
Just Cause Requirements (Civ. Code § 1946.2; SB 567, eff. April 1, 2024): Once a tenant has occupied a covered unit for 12 months (or 24 months if multiple tenants signed the lease), the landlord must have just cause to terminate the tenancy. At-fault just causes include nonpayment of rent, violation of a lease term, criminal activity, or subletting without permission. No-fault just causes include owner move-in, substantial remodel, or withdrawal of the unit from the rental market — and most no-fault terminations require the landlord to pay the tenant one month's rent as relocation assistance.
Court Process (Unlawful Detainer): If a tenant does not vacate after proper notice, the landlord must file an unlawful detainer action in Kern County Superior Court. The tenant has an opportunity to respond and contest the eviction. Only a court judgment and a sheriff's lockout can legally remove a tenant.
Self-Help Eviction Ban (Civ. Code § 789.3): Landlords are strictly prohibited from removing a tenant by changing locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities. Violations may result in actual damages plus $100 per day in statutory penalties.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant-landlord laws change frequently, and individual circumstances vary. If you have a specific legal question or dispute, consult a licensed California attorney or contact a local legal aid organization. RentCheckMe.com makes no warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided.
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