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National City is a densely populated city of roughly 60,000 residents in southwestern San Diego County, bordered by San Diego to the north and Chula Vista to the south. A majority of National City households are renters, and the city's housing stock includes a mix of older apartment buildings, single-family rentals, and newer multi-family developments near its busy commercial corridors. Renters here frequently search for information about rent increases, security deposit returns, and their rights if a landlord attempts to evict them.
National City does not have its own local rent control or just-cause eviction ordinance. However, California's statewide Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482, codified at Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1946.2 and 1947.12) provides meaningful rent increase caps and just-cause eviction protections to a large share of renters across the state, including many in National City. Additional protections — covering habitability, security deposits, anti-retaliation, and lockout prohibitions — are found throughout the California Civil Code.
This article summarizes the laws most relevant to National City renters. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and your specific situation may require guidance from a licensed attorney or free legal aid organization.
No Local Rent Control Ordinance: National City has not enacted a local rent stabilization or rent control ordinance. Unlike cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Chula Vista, National City has no municipal code provision limiting rent increases beyond what state law requires.
California Statewide Rent Cap (AB 1482): For qualifying tenants, California's Tenant Protection Act of 2019 — codified at Cal. Civ. Code § 1947.12 — caps annual rent increases at no more than 5% plus the percentage change in the regional Consumer Price Index (CPI), with an absolute maximum of 10% per year. This cap applies to most residential rental units in California that are at least 15 years old and are not otherwise exempt. Multiple rent increases within a 12-month period cannot cumulatively exceed this cap.
Exempt Units: Single-family homes and condominiums are exempt from AB 1482's rent cap if the owner provides proper written notice of the exemption (Civ. Code § 1947.12(d)). Units built within the past 15 years, dormitories, and owner-occupied duplexes are also exempt. If your unit is exempt, your landlord may raise rent to any amount, provided they give the legally required advance notice.
In Practice: National City renters in non-exempt units cannot have their rent raised more than the AB 1482 cap in any 12-month period. Landlords who charge above this limit violate state law and may be liable to the tenant. If you are unsure whether your unit is covered, contact Legal Aid Society of San Diego for a free assessment.
California law provides a comprehensive set of tenant protections that apply to all renters in National City.
Warranty of Habitability (Civ. Code § 1941 & § 1941.1): Every landlord must maintain rental units in a habitable condition at all times. This includes weatherproofing, working plumbing and heating, safe electrical systems, adequate lighting in common areas, and freedom from vermin infestations. If a landlord fails to repair a serious habitability defect after written notice, tenants may have the right to repair-and-deduct (up to one month's rent, Civ. Code § 1942) or, in severe cases, to withhold rent after following proper procedures.
Security Deposit (Civ. Code § 1950.5): Landlords may collect a security deposit of up to 2 months' rent for unfurnished units (1 month for furnished). Beginning April 1, 2025, AB 12 (2023) limits deposits to 1 month's rent for most new tenancies. The deposit must be returned — with an itemized statement — within 21 calendar days after the tenant vacates. Wrongful withholding can result in damages of up to 2x the amount wrongfully kept.
Notice Requirements (Civ. Code § 1946.1): To terminate a month-to-month tenancy, a landlord must give 30 days' written notice if the tenant has lived there less than one year, or 60 days' written notice if the tenant has lived there one year or more. Tenants need only give 30 days' notice to terminate regardless of tenancy length.
Just Cause Eviction (Civ. Code § 1946.2): For tenants who have continuously and lawfully occupied a unit for 12 months or more (or 24 months if there are multiple adult occupants and at least one has lived there 12 months), landlords must have a legally recognized just cause to terminate the tenancy. At-fault causes include nonpayment of rent, material lease violations, and criminal activity. No-fault causes (such as owner move-in or demolition) require the landlord to pay one month's rent in relocation assistance.
Anti-Retaliation (Civ. Code § 1942.5): Landlords may not raise rent, reduce services, harass, or attempt to evict a tenant in retaliation for exercising a legal right — such as requesting repairs, contacting a government agency, or organizing with other tenants. If retaliation occurs within 180 days of a protected activity, a legal presumption of retaliation arises in the tenant's favor.
Lockout and Utility Shutoff Prohibition (Civ. Code § 789.3): It is illegal for a landlord to lock out a tenant, remove doors or windows, or willfully interrupt utility service (water, electricity, gas) as a means of forcing a tenant to vacate. Tenants subjected to such conduct may recover actual damages plus a civil penalty of up to $100 per day for each day of the violation, with a minimum of $250.
Deposit Cap: Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(c), landlords may collect a security deposit of up to 2 months' rent for unfurnished units and up to 3 months' rent for furnished units. However, AB 12 (effective April 1, 2025) amended § 1950.5 to cap deposits at 1 month's rent for most new tenancies. Small landlords who own no more than two residential rental properties comprising no more than four dwelling units in total may still collect up to 2 months' rent for unfurnished units. Pet deposits and other pre-paid amounts generally count toward this cap.
Return Deadline: After a tenant vacates, the landlord has 21 calendar days to return the deposit, along with an itemized written statement documenting any deductions and copies of receipts for repair costs exceeding $125 (Civ. Code § 1950.5(g)). The 21-day clock begins when the tenant vacates the unit.
Allowable Deductions: A landlord may deduct for unpaid rent, cleaning costs beyond normal standards (not ordinary wear and tear), and repair of damage caused by the tenant beyond ordinary wear and tear. The landlord may not deduct for pre-existing damage, normal wear and tear such as minor scuffs or carpet wear from regular use, or conditions that existed before the tenancy (Civ. Code § 1950.5(b)).
Penalty for Wrongful Withholding: If a court finds that the landlord acted in bad faith by withholding any portion of the deposit, the landlord may be liable for the tenant's actual damages plus a statutory penalty of up to 2 times the amount wrongfully withheld (Civ. Code § 1950.5(l)). Tenants may sue in Small Claims Court for amounts up to $12,500 without an attorney.
Step 1 — Written Notice: A landlord must first serve a written notice before filing an eviction lawsuit. The type and length of notice depends on the reason for eviction:
Step 2 — Unlawful Detainer Lawsuit: If the tenant does not comply with the notice within the specified period, the landlord may file an Unlawful Detainer (UD) action in San Diego Superior Court. The tenant must be formally served with the summons and complaint and has 5 business days to file a written response (Code Civ. Proc. § 1167).
Step 3 — Court Hearing: If the tenant files a response, the court schedules a hearing, typically within 20 days. Both parties present their case. If the landlord prevails, the court issues a judgment for possession. If the tenant wins, they may stay and may recover attorney fees if the lease provides for them.
Step 4 — Writ of Possession: After a judgment for the landlord, the court issues a Writ of Possession. The San Diego County Sheriff's Department serves the writ and, if the tenant has not vacated, physically removes them — typically after posting a 5-day notice to vacate (Code Civ. Proc. § 715.010).
Just Cause Requirement: For tenants protected by AB 1482 (Civ. Code § 1946.2) — generally those who have lived in the unit 12 or more months in housing at least 15 years old — the landlord must state and prove a legally recognized just cause for the eviction. No-fault evictions under this section require the landlord to provide one month's rent in relocation assistance.
Self-Help Eviction Is Illegal: A landlord may never evict a tenant by changing the locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities, or physically removing the tenant without a court order. Doing so violates Cal. Civ. Code § 789.3 and exposes the landlord to civil penalties of up to $100 per day plus actual damages.
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information reflects laws and regulations as of April 2026 and may not account for subsequent legislative changes, local amendments, or the specific facts of your situation. Tenant rights law can be complex, and outcomes vary depending on individual circumstances. If you have a specific legal problem or question, consult a licensed California attorney or contact a free legal aid organization such as the Legal Aid Society of San Diego. RentCheckMe is not a law firm and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
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