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Cerritos is a suburban city in southeastern Los Angeles County with a population of approximately 50,000 residents. Many households rent, and tenants in the city frequently seek guidance on rent increases, security deposits, and eviction protections under California law.
Unlike some Los Angeles County cities, Cerritos has not enacted its own local rent control or just-cause eviction ordinance. Tenants are protected by California's statewide Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482) and related statutes, which provide rent increase caps, just-cause eviction requirements, habitability standards, and security deposit rules. Understanding which state protections apply to your specific unit is the most important first step for Cerritos renters.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws change frequently — please consult a qualified attorney or local legal aid organization for guidance specific to your situation.
Cerritos does not have a local rent control or rent stabilization ordinance. The city has not enacted any municipal code provisions that limit rent increases beyond California state law.
However, California's Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482, codified at Civil Code § 1947.12) provides a statewide rent cap for many rental units. For covered units, landlords may not raise rent more than 5% plus the local Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase, with a maximum cap of 10%, in any 12-month period. This law applies to most multifamily residential buildings that are at least 15 years old (built before 2010 as of 2025) and that are not otherwise exempt.
Exempt units include single-family homes and condominiums (with proper notice), units built within the past 15 years, certain affordable housing units, and units where the owner is a real estate investment trust (REIT), a corporation, or an LLC with a corporate member. Tenants should verify whether their specific unit qualifies for AB 1482 protections.
California provides a broad set of tenant protections that apply in Cerritos:
Rent Increase Cap (AB 1482): Civil Code § 1947.12 limits annual rent increases to 5% + local CPI, not to exceed 10%, for qualifying rental units. Only one increase is permitted per 12-month period.
Just Cause for Eviction (AB 1482 / SB 567): Civil Code § 1946.2 requires landlords of covered units to have a legally recognized just cause — such as nonpayment of rent, lease violation, or owner move-in — before terminating a tenancy after the tenant has resided in the unit for 12 months. Senate Bill 567 (effective April 1, 2024) strengthened enforcement of owner move-in and substantial renovation evictions.
Habitability: Civil Code §§ 1941.1 and 1942 require landlords to maintain rental units in a habitable condition, including weatherproofing, plumbing, heating, and freedom from pest infestations. Tenants may repair-and-deduct or withhold rent after proper notice if habitability standards are not met.
Retaliation Prohibited: Civil Code § 1942.5 prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who exercise their legal rights, such as requesting repairs or contacting code enforcement.
Source-of-Income Discrimination: Government Code § 12955 prohibits landlords from refusing to rent to tenants based on their source of income, including Section 8 housing vouchers.
No Self-Help Evictions: Civil Code § 789.3 prohibits landlords from locking out tenants, removing doors or windows, or shutting off utilities to force a tenant out. These acts are illegal regardless of whether rent is owed.
California law governs security deposits for Cerritos rentals. As of July 1, 2024, Assembly Bill 12 reduced the maximum security deposit to one month's rent for most residential rental units, regardless of whether the unit is furnished or unfurnished (Civil Code § 1950.5). Limited exceptions exist for small landlords who own no more than two residential rental properties with a total of no more than four dwelling units — those landlords may still collect up to two months' rent for unfurnished units.
Landlords must return the security deposit — along with an itemized written statement of any deductions — within 21 calendar days after the tenant vacates the unit (Civil Code § 1950.5(g)). Allowable deductions are limited to unpaid rent, cleaning costs to restore the unit to the condition it was in at the beginning of the tenancy (excluding normal wear and tear), and repair of damage caused by the tenant beyond normal wear and tear.
If a landlord wrongfully withholds a security deposit in bad faith, the tenant may be entitled to recover up to twice the amount of the deposit in addition to the actual amount wrongfully withheld (Civil Code § 1950.5(l)).
Evictions in Cerritos follow California state law. A landlord must follow a strict legal process — self-help evictions (lockouts, utility shutoffs) are prohibited under Civil Code § 789.3 and can result in liability for actual damages plus a $100-per-day penalty.
Required Notices:
Just Cause Requirement: For units covered by AB 1482 (Civil Code § 1946.2), after 12 months of tenancy, landlords must have an at-fault or no-fault just cause to terminate. No-fault causes (such as owner move-in or substantial renovation) require relocation assistance equal to one month's rent.
Unlawful Detainer Process: If the tenant does not comply with the notice, the landlord must file an unlawful detainer (eviction) lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court. The tenant has an opportunity to respond and contest the eviction. A judge must issue a judgment before a Sheriff can enforce a lockout. Tenants should respond to any court summons promptly and may seek legal aid assistance.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant and landlord rights can be complex and fact-specific, and laws may change after the publication date. Cerritos renters should consult a licensed California attorney or a qualified legal aid organization for advice about their specific situation. Nothing in this article creates an attorney-client relationship.
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