Tenant Rights in Claremont, California

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1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Claremont

Claremont is a city of approximately 37,000 residents in the eastern San Gabriel Valley, situated at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains in Los Angeles County. Known as the 'City of Trees and PhDs' for its leafy streets and cluster of Claremont Colleges, the city has a mix of single-family homes and apartment communities. Renters here most commonly ask about rent increases, eviction protections, local ordinances, and how to handle habitability disputes.

Claremont has no local rent-control or rent-stabilization ordinance — the City Council rejected a proposed rent-stabilization program in 2023 and a rental registry proposal in May 2025. However, the City has enacted a local just-cause eviction ordinance that is more protective than California's statewide Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482, Civ. Code § 1946.2) in important ways, particularly for evictions based on demolition or substantial remodel. In addition, the City adopted a tenant anti-harassment ordinance in 2025. State laws under AB 1482 still govern the annual rent cap and provide a baseline just-cause framework for covered units. Because Claremont is an incorporated city, the Los Angeles County Rent Stabilization and Tenant Protections Ordinance (RSTPO) — which applies only to unincorporated County areas — does not apply here.

This guide is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws change, and how they apply to your situation depends on the specific facts of your tenancy. For personalized guidance, contact a licensed California attorney or one of the free legal aid organizations listed below.

2. Does Claremont Have Rent Control?

Claremont has no local rent-control or rent-stabilization ordinance. The Claremont City Council rejected a proposed rent-stabilization measure in 2023, and in May 2025 rejected a proposed rental registry program. Because Claremont is an incorporated city, the Los Angeles County Rent Stabilization and Tenant Protections Ordinance (RSTPO) — which covers only unincorporated county areas — does not apply to Claremont residents.

Instead, renters in covered units are subject to California's statewide rent cap under the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482), codified at Civil Code § 1947.12. The maximum allowable increase for covered units is 5% plus the applicable regional Consumer Price Index (CPI) — up to a maximum of 10% per 12-month period. Landlords may not impose multiple increases within a year that together exceed this cap.

Important exemptions from AB 1482 apply: single-family homes and condominiums are generally exempt if the landlord provides proper written notice; units built within the last 15 years are exempt; and certain other categories (such as units subject to affordability restrictions and owner-occupied duplexes) are also exempt. If your unit is exempt, there is no statutory cap on rent increases in Claremont beyond what your lease provides.

3. California State Tenant Protections That Apply in Claremont

Even without a local rent-control ordinance, Claremont renters benefit from a broad set of California state protections:

• Rent cap — AB 1482 (Civ. Code § 1947.12): For covered units, annual rent increases are capped at 5% plus the regional CPI, with a hard ceiling of 10%. Landlords cannot raise rent more than twice per year, and the combined increases must stay within the cap.
• Just-cause eviction — AB 1482 / SB 567 (Civ. Code § 1946.2): Once you have lived in a covered unit for 12 months, your landlord must have a legally recognized reason to terminate your tenancy. At-fault reasons include non-payment of rent and lease violations; no-fault reasons include owner move-in, substantial remodel, and demolition. SB 567, effective April 1, 2024, tightened enforcement and added relocation assistance requirements for no-fault terminations. Claremont's local ordinance provides additional protections on top of these state rules (see Local Rules section).
• Security deposit cap — AB 12 (Civ. Code § 1950.5): As of July 1, 2024, most landlords may collect no more than one month's rent as a security deposit. A limited exception applies to small landlords (no more than 2 residential properties totaling no more than 4 units).
• Security deposit return (Civ. Code § 1950.5): Landlords must return your deposit — along with an itemized written statement of any deductions — within 21 days after you vacate. Wrongful withholding can expose the landlord to a penalty of up to twice the deposit amount, in addition to actual damages.
• Notice to terminate (Civ. Code § 1946.1): For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must give 30 days' notice if you have lived there less than one year, or 60 days' notice if you have lived there one year or more.
• Habitability (Civ. Code §§ 1941.1, 1942): Landlords must maintain rental units in a fit and habitable condition — including working heat, plumbing, weatherproofing, and freedom from significant pest infestations. If a landlord fails to make necessary repairs after written notice, tenants may have the right to repair-and-deduct (up to one month's rent) or to terminate the lease.
• Anti-retaliation (Civ. Code § 1942.5): A landlord may not raise rent, reduce services, or pursue eviction in retaliation for a tenant's complaint to a code-enforcement agency, request for repairs, or exercise of any legal tenant right.
• Source-of-income protection (Gov. Code § 12955): Landlords may not refuse to rent or impose different terms based on a prospective tenant's lawful source of income, including Section 8 housing vouchers.
• No self-help eviction (Civ. Code § 789.3): A landlord is prohibited from locking out a tenant, removing doors or windows, or shutting off utilities to force a tenant to leave. Violation entitles the tenant to actual damages plus a penalty of $100 per day for each day of the violation.

4. Claremont-Specific Rules and Local Protections

Claremont has enacted two local ordinances that provide tenant protections beyond state law:

Local Just-Cause Eviction Ordinance

Claremont's local just-cause eviction chapter is expressly intended to afford residential tenants the strongest protections available under law, and goes beyond AB 1482 (Civ. Code § 1946.2) in key respects:

• Permit requirement for demolition or substantial remodel: Before a landlord can terminate a tenancy on the basis of an intent to demolish or substantially remodel the unit, they must first secure all required building permits (for a substantial remodel) or demolition permits from the City of Claremont. This is a prerequisite that state law does not expressly require at the notice stage.
• Written disclosure requirement: The landlord must provide the tenant with a written detailed account of the scope of work, explain why the work cannot be reasonably completed in a safe manner with the tenant in place, and — for substantial remodels — explain why the work cannot be completed within 30 days and that it is necessary to bring the unit into compliance with applicable health and safety codes.
• Strict compliance: An owner's failure to strictly comply with these requirements renders the notice of termination of tenancy void and constitutes an affirmative defense to an unlawful detainer action.
• Enhanced relocation assistance: Claremont's ordinance provides for higher relocation assistance amounts than those required under AB 1482 alone for no-fault just-cause evictions.

Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance (2025)

The Claremont City Council passed a new tenant anti-harassment ordinance in 2025 adding Chapter 8.35 ('Prohibition of Tenant Harassment') to the Claremont Municipal Code. Key provisions include:

• Prohibition on landlord harassment of tenants, including interference with tenants' quiet enjoyment, illegal entry, and intimidation tactics.
• A bar on disclosing or weaponizing a tenant's immigration or citizenship status by either party.
• If a tenant prevails in a court action under the ordinance, the landlord must pay reasonable attorney's fees and costs.
• Landlords must endeavor to schedule maintenance at times that accommodate tenants' schedules, with a four-hour limit on work sessions unless additional time is warranted.

Claremont also has a city mediation service for landlord-tenant disputes, reachable at (909) 625-2351 in English and Spanish.

5. Security Deposit Rules in Claremont

Security deposits for Claremont rentals are governed by California Civil Code § 1950.5, as amended by AB 12 (effective July 1, 2024):

• Deposit cap: For most landlords, the maximum security deposit is one month's rent for both furnished and unfurnished units. A limited exception applies to small landlords who own no more than two residential properties totaling no more than four units — those landlords may collect up to two months' rent (three months for furnished units) if the tenant is not active military.
• Return deadline: The landlord must return your deposit — along with an itemized written statement of any deductions — within 21 days after you vacate and return possession of the unit (Civ. Code § 1950.5).
• Permissible deductions: Landlords may only deduct for unpaid rent, costs to repair damage beyond normal wear and tear, and cleaning costs to restore the unit to the same level of cleanliness it was in at move-in.
• Penalty for wrongful withholding: If a landlord acts in bad faith by wrongfully withholding all or part of your deposit, you may recover the amount wrongfully withheld plus a civil penalty of up to twice that amount, in addition to actual damages and attorney's fees (Civ. Code § 1950.5(l)).

Protect yourself by conducting a move-in walkthrough with your landlord, taking dated photographs, and providing your forwarding address in writing when you move out.

6. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Claremont

Evicting a tenant in Claremont requires following California's formal court process — there is no legal shortcut. Claremont also has a local just-cause ordinance that adds requirements on top of state law for certain eviction types. Here is what both landlords and tenants need to know:

• Just-cause requirement (Claremont Municipal Code; Civ. Code § 1946.2): If you have lived in a covered unit for 12 months or more, your landlord must have a legally valid reason to end your tenancy. At-fault just-cause reasons include non-payment of rent, material lease violations, subletting without permission, refusal to allow lawful entry, and criminal activity on the property. No-fault just-cause reasons include owner or family member move-in, substantial remodel, demolition, and withdrawal of the unit from the rental market.
• Claremont's enhanced demolition and remodel protections: Before serving a termination notice based on intent to demolish or substantially remodel, the landlord must obtain all required building or demolition permits from the City of Claremont, and must provide the tenant with a written explanation of the scope of work, why it cannot be done safely with the tenant in place, and (for remodels) why it cannot be done within 30 days. Failure to comply renders the notice void and is a defense to eviction.
• Relocation assistance: For no-fault just-cause terminations, the landlord must provide relocation assistance as required by state law (SB 567, effective April 1, 2024), and Claremont's local ordinance provides for amounts that may be higher than the state minimum.
• Notice periods: For non-payment of rent, the landlord must serve a 3-day notice to pay or quit. For curable lease violations, a 3-day notice to cure or quit is required. For month-to-month tenancies terminated for no-fault reasons, the notice period is 30 days (less than 1 year of tenancy) or 60 days (1 year or more) under Civ. Code § 1946.1.
• Unlawful detainer (court) process: If the tenant does not comply with the notice, the landlord files an unlawful detainer lawsuit in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. The tenant has 5 business days to respond after being served. If the landlord prevails, the court issues a judgment and a writ of possession — only the Sheriff may physically remove the tenant.
• Self-help eviction prohibited (Civ. Code § 789.3): Landlords cannot change locks, remove doors or windows, or cut off electricity, gas, water, or other utilities to force a tenant out. A landlord who does so is liable for actual damages plus $100 per day per violation, plus attorney's fees. If you are locked out or have utilities cut off illegally, contact local law enforcement and a tenant-rights organization immediately.

If you receive an eviction notice, do not ignore it — deadlines are very short. Contact Stay Housed LA at (888) 694-0040 or the City of Claremont's mediation line at (909) 625-2351 for assistance.

7. Resources for Claremont Tenants

• Stay Housed LA — Free legal help and rental assistance for Los Angeles County tenants facing eviction. Call (888) 694-0040 or apply online.
• Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA) — Provides free civil legal aid to low-income residents throughout LA County, including housing, eviction defense, and landlord-tenant disputes.
• Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) — Lead legal services provider for Stay Housed LA; offers eviction defense, housing counseling, and tenant-rights advice for income-eligible LA County residents. Call (800) 399-4529.
• LA County Tenant Right to Counsel Program — County program providing free legal representation to income-eligible tenants facing eviction in Los Angeles County.
• California Attorney General — Landlord-Tenant Issues — Official state resource covering tenant rights, complaint processes, and guidance on California landlord-tenant law.
• California Department of Housing and Community Development — Tenant Resources — State agency resource hub with information on renter protections, AB 1482, AB 12, and housing programs.
• City of Claremont Legal Assistance Resources — City-maintained list of local legal assistance options for Claremont residents. Landlord-tenant mediation is available by calling (909) 625-2351.

Frequently Asked Questions