Tenant Rights in Camarillo, California (2026 Guide)

✓

Key Takeaways

No general rent control ordinance for standard apartments. California AB 1482 (Civ. Code § 1947.12) caps annual rent increases at 5% + local CPI, max 10%, for eligible multi-family units built before 2010. A mobile home park rent stabilization ordinance took effect May 22, 2026.
Landlords must return your deposit within 21 days of move-out (Civ. Code § 1950.5). As of July 1, 2024, the maximum deposit is one month's rent for most tenants (AB 12).
At least 30 days' written notice for tenancies under one year; 60 days' notice for tenancies of one year or more (Civ. Code § 1946.1).
Just cause required for tenants who have rented for 12+ months in qualifying units under AB 1482 (Civ. Code § 1946.2). SB 567 (effective April 1, 2024) tightened no-fault eviction requirements.
The City of Camarillo operates a voluntary Landlord/Tenant Mediation program (Ordinance 1187) for residential complexes with 5+ units and mobile home parks with 25+ spaces. A permanent mobile home park rent stabilization ordinance was adopted April 22, 2026.
Ventura County Legal Aid (VCLA), Housing Rights Center, 211 Ventura County

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

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Camarillo

Camarillo is a city of approximately 70,000 residents in Ventura County, situated between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Like many Southern California communities, tenants frequently ask about rent increases, security deposit returns, and eviction protections. Most renters in Camarillo are covered by California's statewide tenant protections rather than a local ordinance.

In April 2026, Camarillo made local housing history by adopting its first permanent mobile home park rent stabilization ordinance, which took effect May 22, 2026, covering three mobile home parks. For standard apartment renters, the primary protections come from California's Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482) and other state statutes. The city also offers a voluntary mediation program to help landlords and tenants resolve rent disputes.

This article summarizes key tenant rights in Camarillo as of May 2026. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently — consult a licensed attorney or legal aid organization for guidance specific to your situation.

2. Does Camarillo Have Rent Control?

Camarillo does not have a general rent control ordinance covering standard apartments or single-family rentals. However, California's statewide rent cap under the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482), codified at Civil Code § 1947.12, limits annual rent increases for eligible units to no more than 5% plus local CPI inflation, with a maximum cap of 10%. This applies to most multi-family buildings with two or more units that are at least 15 years old (i.e., built before 2010 as of 2025), excluding single-family homes and condos where the owner has provided proper written notice.

For mobile home park residents, Camarillo adopted Ordinance No. (2026) establishing a permanent rent stabilization program covering Camarillo Mobile Home Estates, Lamplighter Mobile Home Park, and Casa Del Norte Mobile Home Park. The ordinance took effect May 22, 2026, and limits annual rent increases and caps move-in rent increases upon re-rental to 8% when a new tenant brings the same mobile home.

3. California State Tenant Protections That Apply in Camarillo

California provides several important protections for Camarillo tenants beyond rent caps:

Just Cause Eviction (Civ. Code § 1946.2): Under AB 1482, landlords must have a valid at-fault or no-fault reason to terminate a tenancy after a tenant has occupied the unit for 12 months. SB 567 (effective April 1, 2024) strengthened no-fault eviction rules, requiring landlords to prove the stated reason (e.g., owner move-in, demolition) and extending relocation assistance requirements.
Relocation Assistance: For no-fault evictions under AB 1482, landlords must provide one month's rent as relocation assistance or waive the final month's rent (Civ. Code § 1946.2).
Security Deposits (Civ. Code § 1950.5; AB 12): As of July 1, 2024, landlords may collect a maximum security deposit of one month's rent for most tenants. Small landlords (natural persons owning no more than 2 properties with up to 4 units total) may collect up to two months' rent except from active-duty service members.
Habitability (Civ. Code §§ 1941.1, 1942): Landlords must maintain rental units in a habitable condition. If a landlord fails to make necessary repairs after proper notice, tenants may have the right to repair-and-deduct (up to one month's rent) or vacate and withhold rent.
Retaliation Prohibition (Civ. Code § 1942.5): Landlords may not retaliate against tenants for exercising their legal rights, such as complaining about habitability, contacting a government agency, or organizing with other tenants.
No Self-Help Eviction (Civ. Code § 789.3): Landlords are prohibited from locking out tenants, removing doors or windows, or shutting off utilities to force a tenant out. Violations entitle tenants to actual damages plus a penalty of $100 per day (minimum $250).
Source-of-Income Protection (Gov. Code § 12955): Landlords may not discriminate against tenants who use housing vouchers (Section 8) or other lawful income sources.
Notice Requirements (Civ. Code § 1946.1): Landlords must provide at least 30 days' written notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy of less than one year, and 60 days' written notice for tenancies of one year or more.

4. Camarillo-Specific Rules and Local Protections

While Camarillo does not have a comprehensive local rent control law for standard rentals, the city has adopted two notable local programs:

Landlord/Tenant Mediation Program (Ordinance 1187): The City of Camarillo operates a voluntary mediation program through the City Clerk's office for residential rental complexes with five or more units and mobile home parks with 25 or more spaces. The program provides a neutral forum to resolve disputes about rent increases and related issues such as maintenance, services, and communication. The program does not enforce state rent control law. To request mediation, contact the City Clerk at (805) 388-5353 or cityclerk@cityofcamarillo.org, or visit City Hall at 601 Carmen Drive, Camarillo, CA 93010.
Mobile Home Park Rent Stabilization Ordinance (2026): Adopted April 22, 2026, and effective May 22, 2026, this ordinance covers Camarillo Mobile Home Estates, Lamplighter Mobile Home Park, and Casa Del Norte Mobile Home Park. It limits annual rent increases and restricts move-in rent increases to 8% upon re-rental to a new tenant who retains the existing mobile home. Park owners may reset rent to market rate if the space is re-rented to a new tenant who brings a different mobile home or if an existing tenant replaces their mobile home within one year. Family member succession is exempt from the increase cap.

5. Security Deposit Rules in Camarillo

California law strictly governs security deposits for Camarillo renters under Civil Code § 1950.5:

Maximum Deposit (AB 12, effective July 1, 2024): For most tenants, landlords may charge no more than one month's rent as a security deposit, regardless of whether the unit is furnished or unfurnished. Pet deposits count toward this cap. Exception: small landlords (natural persons owning no more than 2 residential properties with up to 4 units total) may charge up to two months' rent, but not from active-duty service members.
Return Deadline: Landlords must return the security deposit — or provide an itemized written statement of deductions along with any remaining balance — within 21 calendar days after the tenant vacates the unit.
Allowable Deductions: Deductions are permitted only for unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, cleaning costs if the tenant left the unit dirtier than received, and costs to restore or replace furnishings damaged beyond normal wear and tear.
Penalty for Wrongful Withholding: If a landlord fails to return the deposit or provide the required itemization within 21 days, or wrongfully withholds any portion, the tenant may be entitled to actual damages. In cases of bad faith withholding, the court may award the tenant up to twice the amount wrongfully withheld as a penalty, in addition to actual damages (Civ. Code § 1950.5(l)).

6. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Camarillo

Camarillo landlords must follow California's strict eviction process and may not use self-help tactics such as lockouts or utility shutoffs (Civ. Code § 789.3):

Just Cause Requirement: Under AB 1482 (Civ. Code § 1946.2), tenants who have occupied an eligible unit for 12 or more months may only be evicted for specified at-fault or no-fault reasons. At-fault reasons include nonpayment of rent, lease violations, criminal activity, and subletting without permission. No-fault reasons include owner move-in, taking the unit off the rental market, government orders, or substantial remodeling.
Notice Types and Periods:
- 3-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit: For nonpayment of rent.
- 3-Day Notice to Cure or Quit: For curable lease violations.
- 3-Day Unconditional Quit Notice: For serious at-fault violations (e.g., criminal activity, uncurable breach).
- 30-Day Notice: To terminate a month-to-month tenancy of less than one year (Civ. Code § 1946.1).
- 60-Day Notice: To terminate a month-to-month tenancy of one year or more (Civ. Code § 1946.1).
Relocation Assistance for No-Fault Evictions: Under SB 567 (effective April 1, 2024) and AB 1482, landlords pursuing a no-fault eviction must provide one month's rent in relocation assistance or waive the final month's rent.
Unlawful Detainer Court Process: If the tenant does not vacate after proper notice, the landlord must file an unlawful detainer (UD) lawsuit in Ventura County Superior Court. The tenant has the right to respond, present defenses, and request a trial. A sheriff's deputy — not the landlord — must execute any court-ordered eviction.
No Self-Help Eviction: Landlords may not lock out tenants, remove doors, windows, or furnishings, or cut off utilities to force a tenant out. Violations entitle tenants to actual damages plus a penalty of $100 per day (minimum $250) under Civil Code § 789.3.

7. Resources for Camarillo Tenants

Ventura County Legal Aid (VCLA) — Provides free civil legal services to low-income Ventura County residents, including tenant rights advice and representation. Located at 800 S Victoria Ave, Ventura, CA 93003; (805) 650-7592.
Housing Rights Center — Non-profit organization offering free fair housing counseling, tenant rights information, and advocacy for Los Angeles and Ventura County residents. Call 1-800-477-5977 or email info@housingrightscenter.org.
City of Camarillo Landlord/Tenant Mediation — Free voluntary mediation for rent disputes in Camarillo residential complexes with 5+ units and mobile home parks with 25+ spaces. Contact the City Clerk at (805) 388-5353 or cityclerk@cityofcamarillo.org.
211 Ventura County — Dial 2-1-1 or visit the website for referrals to housing assistance, legal aid, and social services throughout Ventura County.
California Attorney General — Landlord-Tenant Issues — Official state resource with information on tenant rights, habitability, security deposits, and discrimination under California law.
California Courts Self-Help Center — Provides guides on unlawful detainer proceedings, eviction responses, and small claims court for security deposit disputes.

This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant and landlord rights are governed by laws that change frequently; the information here reflects the state of the law as of May 2026 but may not reflect subsequent amendments or local changes. Renters and landlords should verify current laws and consult a qualified attorney or accredited legal aid organization before taking action. RentCheckMe.com is not a law firm and does not establish an attorney-client relationship.

Check Your Address

Find out if your home is covered by rent control or tenant protections.

Use the Address Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Camarillo have rent control?

Camarillo does not have a general rent control ordinance covering standard apartments. However, a permanent mobile home park rent stabilization ordinance took effect May 22, 2026, covering three local mobile home parks. All other renters in eligible multi-family units are protected by California's statewide rent cap under AB 1482 (Civil Code § 1947.12), which limits annual increases to 5% plus local CPI, with a maximum of 10%.

How much can my landlord raise my rent in Camarillo?

For most apartments in buildings at least 15 years old, California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482, Civil Code § 1947.12) caps annual rent increases at 5% plus local CPI inflation, not exceeding 10% total. Single-family homes and condos where the owner has provided proper written notice, and buildings built within the last 15 years, are generally exempt from this cap. If your unit is exempt, there is currently no limit on how much your landlord can raise the rent, but they must provide proper advance written notice.

How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Camarillo?

Your landlord must return your security deposit — along with an itemized statement of any deductions — within 21 calendar days of the date you vacate the unit (Civil Code § 1950.5). As of July 1, 2024, the maximum deposit for most tenants is one month's rent under AB 12. If your landlord fails to comply or wrongfully withholds your deposit in bad faith, you may be entitled to twice the withheld amount as a penalty plus actual damages.

What notice does my landlord need before evicting me in Camarillo?

The required notice depends on the reason and length of your tenancy. For nonpayment of rent, your landlord must give a 3-Day Notice to Pay or Quit. To terminate a month-to-month tenancy without cause, the landlord must give 30 days' notice if you've rented for less than a year, or 60 days' notice if you've rented for a year or more (Civil Code § 1946.1). Under AB 1482 (Civil Code § 1946.2), if you've lived in the unit for 12+ months, your landlord must also have a valid just-cause reason to evict you.

Can my landlord lock me out or shut off utilities in Camarillo?

No. California law strictly prohibits self-help eviction tactics. A landlord may not lock you out, remove doors or windows, or shut off electricity, gas, or water to force you to leave (Civil Code § 789.3). If your landlord does any of these things, you are entitled to actual damages plus a statutory penalty of $100 per day (minimum $250). You may also seek an emergency court order to restore access to your home.

What can I do if my landlord refuses to make repairs in Camarillo?

California law requires landlords to maintain rental units in a habitable condition (Civil Code §§ 1941.1, 1942). If your landlord fails to make necessary repairs after you provide written notice, you may have the right to repair the issue yourself and deduct the cost from rent (up to one month's rent), or vacate and withhold rent in extreme cases. You can also report habitability violations to the Ventura County Building and Safety Division or contact Ventura County Legal Aid for free legal assistance.

Get notified when rent laws change in Camarillo

We'll email you if the rent cap, coverage rules, or tenant protections change — no spam, unsubscribe any time.