California Tenant Rights
Tenant Rights in Highland, California
Highland is a city in San Bernardino County with roughly 55,000 residents. Tenants here rely on California's statewide protections — including the AB 1482 rent cap, just-cause eviction rules, and a one-month security deposit limit — as the city has enacted no local rent control or tenant ordinances beyond state law.
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Updated May 2026
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Key Takeaways
- No local rent control. Statewide AB 1482 (Civ. Code § 1947.12) caps most increases at 5% + CPI, max 10% per year.
- Capped at 1 month's rent (AB 12, effective July 1, 2024). Landlord must return within 21 days with itemized statement; wrongful withholding subjects landlord to up to 2× the deposit in damages (Civ. Code § 1950.5).
- 30 days for tenancies under 1 year; 60 days for tenancies of 1 year or more (Civ. Code § 1946.1).
- Required for covered tenancies under AB 1482 (Civ. Code § 1946.2) after 12 months of tenancy. SB 567 (effective April 1, 2024) tightened no-fault just-cause requirements.
- Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino, Inland Counties Legal Services, San Bernardino Superior Court Self-Help Center
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1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Highland
Highland, California is a city of approximately 55,000 residents in San Bernardino County, situated along Interstate 210 in the Inland Empire. Like many cities in San Bernardino County, Highland has not adopted its own local rent control, rent stabilization, or just-cause eviction ordinance. Tenants in Highland are protected exclusively by California state law.
Renters in Highland most commonly ask about rent increase limits, security deposit rules, eviction notice requirements, and their landlord's duty to maintain habitable conditions. All of these are addressed by the California Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482) and the California Civil Code, which apply uniformly across the state wherever no stronger local ordinance exists.
This article is intended as general educational information only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws can change; consult a licensed attorney or a local legal aid organization for guidance specific to your situation.
2. Does Highland Have Rent Control?
Highland has no local rent control or rent stabilization ordinance. The city has not enacted any municipal code provisions that limit rent increases beyond what California state law requires.
Instead, eligible tenants in Highland are protected by AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act of 2019), codified at California Civil Code § 1947.12. Under this law, landlords may not raise rent by more than 5% plus the local Consumer Price Index (CPI), with a maximum of 10% per year, for covered residential units. AB 1482 covers most multi-family rental units that are at least 15 years old, but exempts single-family homes (with required notice), condos sold separately, and certain other categories. Landlords must provide written notice before any rent increase.
For the 2025–2026 period, the applicable CPI for the Inland Empire region determines the precise allowable cap. Tenants who believe their landlord has exceeded the AB 1482 cap should document all rent notices and seek legal assistance promptly.
3. California State Tenant Protections That Apply in Highland
California provides a comprehensive set of tenant protections that apply in Highland:
- Rent Cap (Civ. Code § 1947.12): AB 1482 limits annual rent increases to 5% + local CPI (max 10%) for covered units. Landlords may not impose more than two increases in any 12-month period that together exceed the cap.
- Just-Cause Eviction (Civ. Code § 1946.2): After a tenant has lived in a covered unit for 12 months, a landlord must have a legally recognized reason — either an at-fault cause (e.g., nonpayment of rent, lease violation, criminal activity) or a no-fault cause (e.g., owner move-in, substantial remodel, withdrawal from rental market) — to terminate the tenancy. SB 567, effective April 1, 2024, added stricter requirements for no-fault just-cause evictions, including proof of intent to remodel or owner move-in.
- Habitability (Civ. Code §§ 1941.1, 1942): Landlords must maintain rental units in a habitable condition, including functional plumbing, heating, and electrical systems, weatherproof roof and walls, and freedom from vermin. Tenants may repair-and-deduct or withhold rent under specific conditions if the landlord fails to act after proper notice.
- Retaliation Prohibited (Civ. Code § 1942.5): A landlord may not increase rent, reduce services, or attempt to evict a tenant in retaliation for the tenant exercising a legal right, such as complaining to a housing authority 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 cutting off utilities to force a tenant out. Violations entitle the tenant to actual damages plus a penalty of $100 per day for each day the violation continues.
- Source-of-Income Protection (Gov. Code § 12955): Landlords may not refuse to rent or otherwise discriminate against a prospective tenant because of their source of income, including Section 8 housing vouchers.
4. Security Deposit Rules in Highland
California's security deposit law was significantly updated by AB 12, effective July 1, 2024. Key rules for Highland tenants:
- Deposit Cap: Landlords may collect no more than one month's rent as a security deposit, regardless of whether the unit is furnished or unfurnished (Civ. Code § 1950.5(c)). A narrow exception allows landlords who own no more than two residential properties with a combined total of no more than four units to collect up to two months' rent.
- Permitted Deductions: A landlord may deduct only for unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, and cleaning costs if the tenant left the unit significantly dirtier than it was received.
- Return Deadline: The landlord must return the deposit (or the remaining balance) along with a written itemized statement of deductions within 21 calendar days after the tenant vacates (Civ. Code § 1950.5(g)).
- Penalty for Wrongful Withholding: If a landlord willfully withholds the deposit in bad faith, the tenant may sue for the wrongfully withheld amount plus up to twice the deposit amount as a penalty, plus court costs (Civ. Code § 1950.5(l)).
- Move-In Inspection: Landlords must offer tenants a pre-move-out inspection so tenants have a chance to remedy issues before vacating. Tenants are entitled to a written statement of deficiencies found during that inspection.
5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Highland
Evictions in Highland follow California's standard unlawful detainer process. Landlords must comply with all notice and procedural requirements; failure to do so gives tenants grounds to defeat the eviction in court.
Required Notices
- 3-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit: For nonpayment of rent. The tenant has three days (excluding weekends and court holidays) to pay the full amount due or vacate.
- 3-Day Notice to Cure or Quit: For curable lease violations (e.g., unauthorized pet, unauthorized occupant). Tenant has three days to fix the violation.
- 3-Day Unconditional Notice to Quit: For serious or incurable violations (e.g., criminal activity, significant damage, subletting without permission).
- 30-Day Notice: Required for month-to-month tenancies of less than one year where a no-fault ground for termination exists (Civ. Code § 1946.1).
- 60-Day Notice: Required for month-to-month tenancies of one year or more (Civ. Code § 1946.1).
Just-Cause Requirement
For tenants in covered units who have resided there for at least 12 months, the landlord must state a valid just-cause reason under California Civil Code § 1946.2. No-fault evictions (owner move-in, substantial remodel, withdrawal from rental market) require additional documentation under SB 567 (effective April 1, 2024), and tenants displaced by no-fault evictions are generally entitled to relocation assistance equal to one month's rent.
Court Process
If the tenant does not vacate after proper notice, the landlord must file an unlawful detainer lawsuit in San Bernardino Superior Court. After being served with the complaint, the tenant has 10 days (as of 2025 amendments) to file a written response. If the landlord wins at trial or by default, the court issues a judgment and the landlord may obtain a writ of possession. A sheriff, not the landlord, must carry out any lockout.
Self-Help Eviction Prohibited
California Civil Code § 789.3 strictly prohibits landlords from locking out tenants, removing belongings, shutting off utilities, or using any other self-help measure to force a tenant out. Tenants subjected to such conduct may recover actual damages plus a statutory penalty of $100 per day.
6. Resources for Highland Tenants
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant and landlord laws change frequently; the information here reflects our best understanding as of May 2026 but may not reflect recent amendments or local developments. Residents of Highland, California should consult a licensed California attorney or a qualified legal aid organization for advice tailored to their specific circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Highland have rent control?
No. Highland, California has no local rent control or rent stabilization ordinance. Tenants in Highland are covered only by California's statewide AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act of 2019), which applies to eligible multi-family units and limits annual rent increases. If your unit is exempt from AB 1482, your landlord can raise rent to any amount with proper notice.
How much can my landlord raise my rent in Highland?
For units covered by AB 1482 (California Civil Code § 1947.12), your landlord 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. Common exemptions include single-family homes (with proper notice), condos, and units built within the last 15 years. If your unit is exempt, there is no statutory cap on rent increases.
How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Highland?
Under California Civil Code § 1950.5, your landlord must return your security deposit — along with a written itemized statement of any deductions — within 21 calendar days after you vacate the unit. If the landlord willfully withholds the deposit in bad faith, you may sue for the wrongfully withheld amount plus a penalty of up to twice the deposit amount.
What notice does my landlord need before evicting me in Highland?
The required notice depends on the reason for eviction and length of tenancy. For nonpayment of rent, a landlord must give a 3-day notice to pay or quit. For a month-to-month tenancy, the landlord 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 (California Civil Code § 1946.1). If your unit is covered by AB 1482, the landlord must also state a valid just-cause reason after you have lived there 12 months (Civ. Code § 1946.2).
Can my landlord lock me out or shut off utilities in Highland?
No. California Civil Code § 789.3 prohibits landlords from using self-help eviction tactics, including changing locks, removing doors or windows, or shutting off electricity, gas, water, or other utilities to force a tenant out. If your landlord does any of these things, you may be entitled to actual damages plus a statutory penalty of $100 per day for each day the violation continues.
What can I do if my landlord refuses to make repairs in Highland?
California law (Civil Code §§ 1941.1 and 1942) requires landlords to maintain rental units in a habitable condition. If your landlord fails to make necessary repairs after you provide written notice, you may have the right to repair the problem and deduct the cost from rent (up to one month's rent), or to withhold rent under certain conditions. For serious habitability issues, you can also file a complaint with the City of Highland's Code Enforcement Division at (909) 864-6861. Consider contacting the Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino at (909) 889-7328 for guidance before taking any legal action.
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