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Clearlake is a city of approximately 15,000 residents on the shores of Clear Lake in Lake County, one of California's most affordable yet historically underserved rental markets. Tenants in Clearlake frequently ask about rent increase limits, eviction protections, and what to do when a landlord fails to make repairs.
Clearlake is covered by California's statewide Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482), which limits rent increases and requires just cause for eviction for qualifying tenants. The city does not have a local rent control ordinance, but it does operate a Rental Housing Unit Program under Ordinance No. 279-2025 that requires landlords to register rental properties and pass habitability inspections.
This article is intended as general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently — consult a licensed California attorney or a local legal aid organization for advice specific to your situation.
Clearlake has no local rent control or rent stabilization ordinance. Rent increases are governed solely by California state law.
Under the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482, Civ. Code § 1947.12), landlords of covered units may not raise rent by more than 5% plus the local Consumer Price Index (CPI), with a maximum of 10% in any 12-month period. This cap applies to most apartment buildings that are at least 15 years old, but excludes single-family homes and condominiums where the owner has provided the required AB 1482 exemption notice, and units built within the last 15 years.
If your unit is not covered by AB 1482, your landlord may raise rent by any amount, subject only to proper notice requirements (generally 30 days for increases under 10%, 90 days for increases of 10% or more under Civ. Code § 827).
California provides several important tenant protections that apply in Clearlake:
Rent Increase Caps (AB 1482, Civ. Code § 1947.12): For eligible units, annual rent increases are capped at 5% plus CPI, not to exceed 10%. Only one increase is allowed per 12-month period.
Just-Cause Eviction (AB 1482 / SB 567, Civ. Code § 1946.2): After 12 months of tenancy, landlords must have a legally recognized reason to evict. At-fault reasons include nonpayment of rent, lease violations, and criminal activity. No-fault reasons (such as owner move-in or demolition) require the landlord to pay relocation assistance equal to one month's rent.
Security Deposit Cap (AB 12, Civ. Code § 1950.5): Effective July 1, 2024, most landlords may collect no more than one month's rent as a security deposit for unfurnished units. The landlord must return the deposit within 21 days after the tenant vacates, along with an itemized statement.
Habitability (Civ. Code §§ 1941.1, 1942): Landlords must maintain rental units in a habitable condition. If a landlord fails to repair a serious defect after reasonable notice, tenants may have the right to repair and deduct the cost from rent, or in some cases to withhold rent.
Retaliation Prohibited (Civ. Code § 1942.5): Landlords may not retaliate against tenants for exercising legal rights such as complaining about habitability, contacting code enforcement, or organizing with other tenants.
No Self-Help Eviction (Civ. Code § 789.3): Landlords may not lock out a tenant, 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 Discrimination Prohibited (Gov. Code § 12955): Landlords may not refuse to rent to a tenant solely because the tenant uses a housing voucher or other lawful source of income.
Termination Notice (Civ. Code § 1946.1): For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must give 30 days' notice to tenants who have resided less than one year, and 60 days' notice to tenants who have resided one year or more.
Clearlake does not have a local rent control or rent stabilization ordinance, nor a separate local just-cause eviction ordinance beyond state law. However, the city does have a significant local program affecting rental housing:
Rental Housing Unit Program (Ordinance No. 279-2025): Adopted September 18, 2025 and effective October 18, 2025, this ordinance requires all residential rental properties in Clearlake — including single-family homes, duplexes, apartment buildings, and motels — to register with the city and undergo periodic inspections. The program was relaunched after a similar program operated from 2001 to 2008.
Inspections assess building safety, plumbing, electrical systems, heating, fire safety, sanitation, and pest control. After registration, landlords must schedule an inspection through the city's online portal. Non-urgent violations must be corrected within 30 days; hazardous conditions within 14 days. Properties with a clean inspection record may qualify for a self-certification option after one year.
Tenants may submit complaints to the city's housing services department, which investigates issues from both tenants and landlords. For inquiries, contact the Building Services Manager at 707-994-8201 ext. 121 or bcline@clearlake.ca.us.
Under California Civil Code § 1950.5 and AB 12 (effective July 1, 2024), the maximum security deposit a landlord may collect for most unfurnished rental units is one month's rent. Small landlords (those who own no more than two residential rental properties with a combined total of no more than four units) may still collect up to two months' rent for unfurnished units.
After the tenant vacates, the landlord must return the deposit within 21 calendar days along with an itemized written statement of any deductions. Permissible deductions include unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, and cleaning costs if the unit was not left in the same condition it was received.
If a landlord wrongfully withholds a security deposit in bad faith, the tenant may sue for the amount wrongfully withheld plus a penalty of up to two times the deposit amount, plus attorney's fees. Tenants should document the unit's condition at move-in and move-out with photos and written records to support any deposit dispute.
In Clearlake, evictions are governed by California state law. Landlords must follow a strict legal process and may not resort to self-help measures such as lockouts or utility shutoffs (Civ. Code § 789.3).
Notice Requirements: Before filing in court, a landlord must serve the tenant with a written notice. Common notice types include:
Just-Cause Requirements (Civ. Code § 1946.2): If the tenant has lived in the unit for 12 months or more and the unit is covered by AB 1482, the landlord must have a legally recognized just cause. At-fault just causes include nonpayment of rent, criminal activity on the premises, and refusal to allow lawful entry. No-fault just causes include owner move-in, substantial remodel, and withdrawal from the rental market — all of which require the landlord to provide one month's rent as relocation assistance. SB 567 (effective April 1, 2024) strengthened enforcement of these requirements.
Unlawful Detainer Court Process: If the tenant does not comply with the notice, the landlord may file an unlawful detainer (eviction) lawsuit in court. The tenant has the right to respond and attend a hearing. Only a court order (writ of possession) authorizes a law enforcement officer to remove a tenant. A landlord who attempts to evict a tenant without a court order is subject to significant penalties under Civ. Code § 789.3.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant and landlord laws change frequently, and local ordinances may be amended. The information provided here may not reflect the most current legal developments. Tenants and landlords should verify all information with a licensed California attorney or a qualified legal aid organization before taking any legal action. RentCheckMe.com is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation.
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