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Redlands is a historic city in San Bernardino County with approximately 75,000 residents, known for its Victorian architecture and citrus heritage. Like most California cities its size, Redlands has not enacted a broad local rent control ordinance for standard residential rentals, but it has adopted specific local protections that go beyond state law in two important areas: a substantial-remodel eviction ordinance (RMC Chapter 9.38) and a long-standing rent stabilization program for mobilehome park residents (RMC Chapter 5.48).
For the vast majority of Redlands renters living in apartments and houses, the primary protections come from California's statewide Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482), which limits annual rent increases, requires just cause to end a tenancy after 12 months, and mandates relocation assistance for certain no-fault evictions. State law also sets strict rules on security deposits, habitability, and self-help evictions.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently; consult a licensed California attorney or a local legal aid organization for guidance specific to your situation.
Redlands has no local rent stabilization or rent control ordinance for standard apartments, houses, or condominiums. The city has not adopted any municipal rent caps for conventional residential units beyond those imposed by California state law.
California's statewide Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482), codified at Civil Code § 1947.12, limits annual rent increases to 5% plus the local Consumer Price Index (CPI), with a maximum of 10% for qualifying residential units. This cap applies to most multi-family buildings more than 15 years old that are not otherwise exempt. Common exemptions include 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 exempt from AB 1482, your landlord may raise rent by any amount but must provide written notice: 30 days for increases under 10%, or 90 days for increases of 10% or more (Civ. Code § 827).
Exception — Mobilehome Parks: Space rents in Redlands mobilehome parks are regulated under Redlands Municipal Code Chapter 5.48, which established a rent stabilization commission with authority to review and approve rent adjustment applications from both park owners and mobilehome owner-occupants. Mobilehome residents with questions about their space rent should contact the Planning Division at (909) 798-7555 ext. 2.
California provides Redlands tenants with several important protections under state law:
Just-Cause Eviction (Civ. Code § 1946.2; SB 567, effective April 1, 2024): After a tenant has lived in a qualifying unit for 12 months, the landlord must have a legally recognized just cause to terminate the tenancy. At-fault causes include nonpayment of rent, lease violations, and criminal activity. No-fault causes — such as owner move-in, demolition, or substantial remodel — require the landlord to pay one month's rent as relocation assistance.
Habitability (Civ. Code §§ 1941.1, 1942): Landlords must maintain rental units in a habitable condition, including weatherproofing, working plumbing and heating, and freedom from pest infestations. If a landlord fails to repair a serious defect after proper notice, tenants may be able to repair and deduct costs from rent (up to one month's rent) or, in serious cases, withhold rent.
Retaliation Protection (Civ. Code § 1942.5): Landlords are prohibited from retaliating against tenants who exercise their legal rights, such as reporting habitability problems or contacting a housing agency. Retaliation may result in damages of up to $2,000 per incident plus attorney's fees.
Source-of-Income Protection (Gov. Code § 12955): Landlords may not refuse to rent to a tenant solely because the tenant uses a housing voucher or other government rental assistance.
Self-Help Eviction Prohibited (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. Violators may owe the tenant $100 per day of violation plus actual damages.
Redlands has enacted two local ordinances that provide tenant protections beyond state law:
1. Demolition and Substantial-Remodel Eviction Ordinance (RMC Chapter 9.38, effective August 4, 2022): Before a landlord may issue a notice to terminate a tenancy for a no-fault just-cause eviction based on demolition or substantial remodel of residential property, the landlord must:
Failure to comply with these requirements renders the notice of termination void, and tenants may assert noncompliance as a defense in eviction proceedings. Relocation assistance is also required for qualifying no-fault evictions under state law (Civ. Code § 1946.2).
2. Mobilehome Park Rent Stabilization (RMC Chapter 5.48): Adopted in 1981, this ordinance created a Rent Stabilization Commission with authority to review rent adjustment applications affecting mobilehome park space rents in Redlands. The program protects mobilehome owner-occupants — who have made substantial investments in their homes but do not own the land beneath them — from unreasonable rent increases. Mobilehome residents may contact the City of Redlands Planning Division at (909) 798-7555 ext. 2 with questions.
Under California Civil Code § 1950.5, as amended by AB 12 (effective July 1, 2024), landlords in Redlands may collect a maximum security deposit of one month's rent for unfurnished units, regardless of whether the tenant has pets. A limited exception allows small landlords who own two or fewer residential properties containing four or fewer total units to collect up to two months' rent.
After the tenancy ends, the landlord has 21 calendar days to return the deposit along with an itemized written statement of any deductions. Permissible deductions include unpaid rent, cleaning beyond ordinary wear and tear, and damage caused by the tenant (not normal wear and tear).
If a landlord wrongfully withholds any portion of the deposit in bad faith, a court may award the tenant up to twice the wrongfully withheld amount as a statutory penalty, in addition to the actual amount withheld (Civ. Code § 1950.5(l)).
To lawfully evict a tenant in Redlands, a landlord must follow California's formal eviction (unlawful detainer) process. Self-help evictions — changing locks, removing belongings, or cutting off utilities — are illegal under Civil Code § 789.3 and can result in significant liability for the landlord.
Notice Requirements: The type and length of notice depend on the reason for eviction:
Just-Cause Requirement: Under AB 1482 and SB 567 (Civ. Code § 1946.2), tenants in qualifying units who have lived there for at least 12 months may only be evicted for a legally recognized just cause. No-fault evictions require payment of one month's relocation assistance.
Local Remodel/Demolition Rules: For evictions based on demolition or substantial remodel, the landlord must also comply with Redlands Municipal Code Chapter 9.38, including obtaining all required permits before issuing the termination notice and providing detailed written disclosure. A defective notice is void, giving the tenant a complete defense.
Court Process: If the tenant does not vacate after proper notice, the landlord must file an unlawful detainer lawsuit in San Bernardino County Superior Court. The tenant has 5 business days to respond after being served. If the landlord prevails, the court issues a judgment and writ of possession; only a county sheriff may carry out the physical eviction.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant and landlord laws in California change frequently; the information above may not reflect the most current statutes, regulations, or local ordinances. Always verify current law with a licensed California attorney or a qualified legal aid organization before taking action. Nothing in this article creates an attorney-client relationship.
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