Tenant Rights in Loma Linda, California

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1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Loma Linda

Loma Linda is a small city of approximately 25,000 residents in San Bernardino County, situated in the Inland Empire region of Southern California. Like many smaller California cities, Loma Linda does not have its own local rent control or just-cause eviction ordinance — tenants here rely entirely on California state law for protection.

Tenants in Loma Linda most commonly ask about rent increase limits, their rights when facing eviction, security deposit timelines, and what to do when a landlord fails to make repairs. California's Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482) answers many of these questions by capping rent increases and requiring landlords to have a valid reason before terminating a tenancy in covered units.

This article summarizes the laws that apply in Loma Linda as of May 2026. It is provided for informational purposes 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.

2. Does Loma Linda Have Rent Control?

Loma Linda has no local rent stabilization or rent control ordinance. The city has not enacted any municipal law limiting rent increases beyond what California state law requires.

Tenants in qualifying rental units are protected by California Civil Code § 1947.12 (the Tenant Protection Act of 2019, AB 1482), which limits annual rent increases to 5% plus the local Consumer Price Index (CPI), with a maximum of 10%. This cap applies to most residential rental units that are more than 15 years old (i.e., built before approximately 2011 as of 2026) and are not otherwise exempt. Single-family homes and condos are generally exempt unless the owner is a corporation or REIT, and the landlord must provide the tenant with a written exemption notice.

If your unit is exempt from AB 1482, your landlord may raise rent by any amount, provided proper notice is given: 30 days' notice for increases of 10% or less, and 90 days' notice for increases greater than 10% (Civ. Code § 827).

3. California State Tenant Protections That Apply in Loma Linda

Although Loma Linda has no local tenant ordinances, California state law provides significant protections for renters throughout the state:

• Just-Cause Eviction (Civ. Code § 1946.2; SB 567, eff. April 1, 2024): Landlords must have an at-fault or no-fault just cause to terminate a tenancy for tenants who have occupied a qualifying unit for 12 months or more. At-fault causes include nonpayment of rent, lease violations, criminal activity, and subletting without permission. No-fault causes (e.g., owner move-in, substantial remodel, demolition) require the landlord to pay the tenant one month's rent as relocation assistance.
• Rent Increase Cap (Civ. Code § 1947.12): Annual rent increases for covered units are capped at 5% + local CPI, not to exceed 10% total, calculated from the lowest rent charged in the prior 12 months.
• Security Deposits (Civ. Code § 1950.5; AB 12, eff. July 1, 2024): Landlords may collect a maximum of one month's rent as a security deposit for most rentals. Deposits must be returned within 21 calendar days after the tenant vacates, along with an itemized written statement of any deductions. Failure to comply can result in the landlord owing the tenant twice the amount wrongfully withheld, plus damages.
• Habitability (Civ. Code §§ 1941.1, 1942): Landlords must maintain rental units in a habitable condition, including functional plumbing, heating, weatherproofing, and freedom from vermin. If a landlord fails to repair a serious condition after reasonable notice, tenants may have the right to repair and deduct the cost from rent (up to one month's rent, twice per year) or to vacate and terminate the tenancy.
• Retaliation Prohibited (Civ. Code § 1942.5): Landlords may not retaliate against tenants for exercising their legal rights, such as complaining about habitability, contacting code enforcement, or joining a tenant organization. Presumptive retaliation exists if an adverse action occurs within 180 days of a protected activity.
• Source-of-Income Discrimination Prohibited (Gov. Code § 12955): Landlords may not refuse to rent to, or discriminate against, tenants on the basis of source of income, including housing vouchers (Section 8).
• Self-Help Evictions Prohibited (Civ. Code § 789.3): Landlords may not lock out, remove a tenant's belongings, or cut off utilities to force a tenant to leave. Such actions are illegal regardless of whether rent is owed.
• Notice to Vacate (Civ. Code § 1946.1): For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must give at least 30 days' notice if the tenant has resided there less than one year, and 60 days' notice if the tenant has resided there one year or more.

4. Security Deposit Rules in Loma Linda

Security deposit rules in Loma Linda are governed entirely by California state law (Civil Code § 1950.5), as amended by AB 12 (effective July 1, 2024):

• Cap: For most residential rentals, landlords may collect a maximum of one month's rent as a security deposit. An exception applies for small landlords (individual owners of no more than two residential rental properties with no more than four total units) renting an unfurnished unit — they may collect up to two months' rent — but this exception is limited.
• Return Deadline: The landlord must return the deposit (or the balance remaining after allowable deductions) within 21 calendar days after the tenant surrenders the rental unit.
• Itemized Statement: Along with any refund, the landlord must provide a written, itemized statement describing each deduction and the amount charged. Receipts or invoices must be included for deductions over $125.
• Allowable Deductions: Landlords may deduct for unpaid rent, cleaning costs to restore the unit to its condition at move-in (beyond normal wear and tear), and repair of damage caused by the tenant beyond normal wear and tear. They may not deduct for normal wear and tear.
• Penalty for Wrongful Withholding: If a landlord wrongfully withholds any portion of a security deposit in bad faith, the tenant may sue in small claims court and recover the amount wrongfully withheld plus up to twice that amount as a statutory penalty (Civ. Code § 1950.5(l)).

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Loma Linda

Evictions in Loma Linda follow California state eviction law. Landlords must follow a strict legal process — any shortcut is unlawful.

Step 1: Written Notice

Before filing in court, a landlord must serve a written notice on the tenant. Common notice types include:

• 3-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit: For nonpayment of rent. The tenant has 3 days to pay all overdue rent or vacate.
• 3-Day Notice to Cure or Quit: For a curable lease violation (e.g., unauthorized pet). The tenant has 3 days to fix the violation or move out.
• 3-Day Notice to Quit (Unconditional): For serious, incurable violations such as criminal activity or repeated violations. No opportunity to cure.
• 30-Day or 60-Day Notice to Vacate: For no-fault terminations in month-to-month tenancies. 30 days applies to tenancies under one year; 60 days applies to tenancies of one year or more (Civ. Code § 1946.1). In covered units under AB 1482, a valid just-cause reason is also required.

Step 2: Unlawful Detainer Lawsuit

If the tenant does not comply with the notice, the landlord may file an Unlawful Detainer (UD) lawsuit in San Bernardino Superior Court. The tenant will be served with a summons and complaint and has 5 business days to file a written response. If no response is filed, the landlord may obtain a default judgment. If a response is filed, the court will schedule a trial, typically within 20 days.

Step 3: Writ of Possession

If the landlord wins at trial, the court issues a judgment and, upon request, a Writ of Possession. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department then enforces the writ, and the tenant is given a final notice before a lockout is executed.

Just-Cause Requirements

Under Civil Code § 1946.2 (as strengthened by SB 567, effective April 1, 2024), landlords of covered units must have a valid at-fault or no-fault just cause to evict tenants who have resided in the unit for 12 months or more. No-fault evictions (such as owner move-in or substantial remodel) require the landlord to pay the tenant one month's rent as relocation assistance, or waive the final month's rent.

Self-Help Evictions Are Illegal

Landlords in Loma Linda — as throughout California — may not lock out a tenant, remove their belongings, shut off utilities, or otherwise attempt to force a tenant out without a court order (Civ. Code § 789.3). Tenants subjected to such conduct may sue for actual damages, punitive damages, and attorney's fees.

6. Resources for Loma Linda Tenants

• Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino — Provides free civil legal services to low-income San Bernardino County residents, including eviction defense, habitability issues, and an Eviction Answers Clinic. Phone: (909) 889-7328.
• Inland Counties Legal Services — Offers free legal help for low-income tenants in San Bernardino and Riverside counties, including unlawful detainer clinics and a tenant hotline at (888) 245-4257.
• San Bernardino Superior Court Self-Help Center — Free assistance for landlord-tenant matters, including help understanding court forms and procedures for unlawful detainer cases.
• California Attorney General — Landlord-Tenant Issues — Official state resource explaining tenant rights, habitability standards, and the eviction process under California law.
• Tenants Together — California statewide tenant rights organization with a free legal referral hotline and resources on AB 1482 and local protections.

Frequently Asked Questions