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Rancho Mirage is a resort city in Riverside County's Coachella Valley. Like all California cities, it is governed by the state's comprehensive tenant-protection framework, including the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482), the security deposit reform law (AB 12), and the California Civil Code habitability and anti-retaliation statutes.
Rancho Mirage does not have a general rent control ordinance covering conventional apartments or single-family homes. However, the city enacted a local mobilehome rent control ordinance in 1982 (Municipal Code Chapter 9.58) that limits rent increases in mobilehome parks and establishes a Mobilehome Fair Practices Commission to oversee disputes and review proposed long-term leases.
This article explains the rights and responsibilities that apply to the vast majority of Rancho Mirage renters under California state law, highlights the local mobilehome ordinance, and identifies organizations that can help you if a dispute arises.
Rancho Mirage has not enacted a general rent control or rent stabilization ordinance for standard residential units such as apartments, condominiums, or single-family homes. Because no local ordinance applies, conventional residential landlords in Rancho Mirage are subject only to state law when setting rents.
California Civil Code §1947 allows landlords to set initial rents freely. Once a qualifying tenancy is in place, however, the statewide AB 1482 rent cap (Civ. Code §1947.12) restricts how much the rent can increase each year. Landlords of exempt properties—such as single-family homes where the owner has provided a statutory exemption notice, or units built within the last 15 years—are not subject to the AB 1482 cap and may raise rents without a statutory ceiling beyond providing proper notice.
Rent Cap (AB 1482 / Civ. Code §1947.12): For qualifying rental units, landlords may not increase rent by more than 5% plus the local Consumer Price Index change in any 12-month period, with a maximum increase of 10%. Exemptions include single-family homes and condos where the owner has served a written exemption notice, units built within the past 15 years, and certain subsidized housing.
Just-Cause Eviction (AB 1482 / Civ. Code §1946.2): Tenants who have occupied a qualifying unit for 12 months or more (or where at least one tenant has been in residence 24 months) may only be evicted for an enumerated just cause. At-fault causes include nonpayment of rent, lease violations, and criminal activity. No-fault causes—such as owner move-in or substantial rehabilitation—require the landlord to provide one month's relocation assistance equal to one month's rent. SB 567 (effective April 1, 2024) added notice and documentation requirements for no-fault just-cause terminations.
Security Deposits (AB 12 / Civ. Code §1950.5): For tenancies beginning on or after July 1, 2024, landlords may collect no more than one month's rent as a security deposit, regardless of whether the unit is furnished. Landlords must return the deposit with an itemized written statement of deductions within 21 days of the tenant vacating the unit.
Notice Requirements (Civ. Code §1946.1): Landlords must provide at least 30 days' written notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy for tenants who have lived in the unit fewer than one year, and at least 60 days' written notice for tenants who have lived there one year or more.
Habitability (Civ. Code §§1941.1, 1942): California landlords are required to maintain rental units in a habitable condition, including functioning plumbing, heating, weatherproofing, and freedom from vermin. If a landlord fails to make necessary repairs after reasonable notice, tenants may have the right to repair and deduct the cost (up to one month's rent) or, in extreme cases, vacate and withhold rent.
Retaliation Prohibited (Civ. Code §1942.5): Landlords may not retaliate against tenants for exercising legal rights such as reporting habitability problems, contacting government agencies, or organizing with other tenants. Retaliatory acts include rent increases, service reductions, and eviction threats within 180 days of a protected tenant activity.
No Self-Help Evictions (Civ. Code §789.3): Landlords are prohibited from attempting to remove tenants by means other than a court-ordered eviction, including changing locks, removing doors or windows, or shutting off utilities. Tenants who experience self-help eviction tactics may sue for actual damages, punitive damages, and attorney's fees.
Mobilehome Rent Control (Rancho Mirage Municipal Code Chapter 9.58): Rancho Mirage adopted a mobilehome rent control ordinance in May 1982. The ordinance applies to mobilehome park tenants within the city and limits annual rent increases to no more than 75% of the change in the Consumer Price Index (Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario Area, All Urban Consumers). Only one rent increase is permitted per 12-month period.
Before a mobilehome park owner may offer any rental agreement or lease exceeding 12 months to a tenant, the proposed lease must first be submitted to the Rancho Mirage Mobilehome Fair Practices Commission for review and approval. The commission also hears hardship petitions from park owners seeking above-guideline increases and must rule on each petition within 90 days of filing.
Mobilehome park residents seeking information about the ordinance or the commission should contact the City of Rancho Mirage Community Development Department at ranchomirageca.gov.
California's AB 12 (effective July 1, 2024) limits security deposits statewide. For new tenancies starting on or after that date, landlords in Rancho Mirage may collect a maximum security deposit equal to one month's rent, whether or not the unit is furnished (Civ. Code §1950.5). Prior to AB 12, landlords could collect up to two months' rent for unfurnished units and three months' rent for furnished units.
After you move out, the landlord must return your deposit—or the remaining balance—along with a written itemized statement of any deductions, within 21 days of you vacating the unit (Civ. Code §1950.5(g)). Allowable deductions are limited to unpaid rent, cleaning costs needed to restore the unit to its move-in condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted), and repair of damage caused by the tenant beyond normal wear and tear. If the landlord fails to return the deposit and itemization within 21 days without good cause, you may be entitled to recover the withheld amount plus up to twice the deposit as a penalty in small claims court.
In Rancho Mirage, evictions must follow California's Unlawful Detainer (UD) process. A landlord cannot remove a tenant without a court order. The process typically begins with a written notice:
If you have lived in a qualifying unit for 12 months or more, AB 1482 (Civ. Code §1946.2) requires the landlord to have a legally recognized just cause for eviction. No-fault just-cause evictions (e.g., owner move-in, substantial rehabilitation) require at least one month's relocation assistance. SB 567 imposes additional notice and documentation requirements for these no-fault terminations effective April 2024.
If you do not vacate after the notice period, the landlord must file an Unlawful Detainer lawsuit in Riverside Superior Court (Larson Justice Center). You have five calendar days after being served to file a written response. Seek legal help immediately—missing the deadline can result in a default judgment and rapid eviction.
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant-landlord law is complex and fact-specific; statutes and local ordinances may change. Always consult a qualified attorney or a licensed legal aid organization for advice about your individual situation.
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