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San Anselmo is a small town in Marin County with a population of roughly 12,000. Renters here are protected primarily by California state law — specifically the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482) — which imposes statewide rent increase caps and just-cause eviction requirements on qualifying residential units.
In November 2024, San Anselmo voters rejected Measure N, a ballot referendum that would have enacted a local rent stabilization ordinance passed by the Town Council earlier that year. The ordinance would have capped rent increases at 60% of CPI. Because Measure N failed with over 66% voting no, no local rent control ordinance is currently in effect.
Despite the absence of local rent control, San Anselmo renters still benefit from California's AB 1482 rent caps, AB 12 security deposit limits, a one-month deposit cap, a 21-day deposit return deadline, just-cause eviction protections, anti-retaliation rules, and a local source-of-income non-discrimination ordinance.
San Anselmo does not have a local rent control or rent stabilization ordinance. Voters defeated Measure N — a proposed local rent stabilization measure — on November 5, 2024, by a margin greater than 66% against. As a result, only California state law governs how much and how often a landlord may raise rent in San Anselmo.
Under California Civil Code §1947.12 (AB 1482), landlords of covered units may not raise rent by more than 5% plus the local Consumer Price Index (CPI), with a maximum cap of 10% in any 12-month period. This limit applies to most multi-family residential properties that are at least 15 years old and not otherwise exempt.
Rent Increase Cap (AB 1482 — Civ. Code §1947.12): Landlords of covered units may raise rent no more than 5% + local CPI per year, capped at 10%. This applies to most apartments built before 2005 that are not single-family homes owned by individuals, condominiums sold separately, or other exempt categories. Landlords of exempt units must provide written notice of the exemption.
Just-Cause Eviction (AB 1482 — Civ. Code §1946.2): After a tenant has continuously occupied a unit for 12 months (or 24 months if there are multiple tenants and at least one has lived there 12 months), the landlord may only evict for a specific at-fault or no-fault just cause. At-fault causes include nonpayment of rent, lease violations, illegal activity, and nuisance. No-fault causes include owner move-in, withdrawal of the unit from the rental market, and government-ordered demolition or substantial remodel. SB 567 (effective April 1, 2024) strengthened these provisions, requiring landlords to pay one month's rent as relocation assistance for most no-fault evictions.
Security Deposit Cap (AB 12 — Civ. Code §1950.5): Effective July 1, 2024, security deposits are capped at one month's rent for unfurnished units, regardless of whether the tenant has pets. Landlords must return the deposit within 21 days of the tenant vacating, along with an itemized statement of any deductions.
Notice Requirements (Civ. Code §1946.1): Landlords must provide at least 30 days' written notice to terminate a tenancy of less than one year, and at least 60 days' written notice for tenancies of one year or more.
Habitability (Civ. Code §§1941.1, 1942): Landlords must maintain rental units in a habitable condition — including weather protection, working plumbing, heating, and electrical systems. If a landlord fails to make necessary repairs after reasonable notice, tenants may have the right to repair and deduct (up to one month's rent) or to vacate and terminate the lease.
Anti-Retaliation (Civ. Code §1942.5): Landlords may not retaliate against tenants who exercise their legal rights, such as reporting habitability issues, contacting code enforcement, or organizing with other tenants. Retaliatory acts include rent increases, eviction notices, and reduced services.
No Self-Help Eviction (Civ. Code §789.3): Landlords may not lock out tenants, remove doors or windows, or shut off utilities to force a tenant out. Such actions are illegal and tenants may recover actual damages, punitive damages of up to $100 per day, and attorney's fees.
San Anselmo does not have an active local rent control ordinance. Measure N, which would have enacted a local rent stabilization ordinance, was rejected by voters in November 2024.
Source of Income Protection Ordinance (effective December 11, 2018): San Anselmo's Income-Based Rental Housing Discrimination Ordinance prohibits landlords from refusing to rent to, discriminating against, or treating differently any tenant or prospective tenant based on their source of income — including Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, CalWORKs, Social Security, disability payments, or other lawful income sources. Landlords also may not advertise income preferences in violation of this ordinance. Complaints can be filed with the Town of San Anselmo.
Under California Civil Code §1950.5, as amended by AB 12 (effective July 1, 2024), landlords in San Anselmo may collect a security deposit of no more than one month's rent for an unfurnished unit. This cap applies regardless of whether the tenant has pets. (A limited 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 for a pet.)
After a tenant moves out, the landlord has 21 calendar days to either return the full deposit or provide an itemized written statement of deductions along with any remaining balance and supporting receipts. Deductions are only permitted for unpaid rent, cleaning beyond normal wear and tear, damage beyond normal wear and tear, and costs permitted under the lease. Landlords who fail to comply may forfeit the right to retain any portion of the deposit and can be liable for actual damages plus up to twice the deposit amount in bad-faith cases.
In San Anselmo, evictions are governed exclusively by California state law. There is no local just-cause ordinance beyond the state's AB 1482 provisions.
Just Cause Required After 12 Months: Once a tenant has lived in a covered unit for at least 12 months, the landlord must have a legally recognized just cause to terminate the tenancy (Civ. Code §1946.2). At-fault just causes include: nonpayment of rent, material breach of the lease, maintaining a nuisance, criminal activity on the property, subletting without permission, and refusing the landlord lawful access. No-fault just causes include: owner or close family member move-in, withdrawal of the unit from the rental market (Ellis Act), government-ordered demolition or substantial remodel, and compliance with a government order.
Relocation Assistance for No-Fault Evictions (SB 567, effective April 1, 2024): When a landlord initiates a no-fault eviction, the landlord must generally pay the displaced tenant one month's rent as relocation assistance, or waive the final month's rent. Specific requirements vary by reason for termination.
Proper Notice: A valid eviction requires proper written notice — 3 days for nonpayment of rent or lease violations, 30 days for tenancies under one year, and 60 days for tenancies of one year or longer. After notice expires without compliance or vacation, the landlord must file an unlawful detainer (eviction) lawsuit in court. Self-help evictions — including lockouts and utility shutoffs — are illegal under Civ. Code §789.3.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant and landlord rights can change, and local ordinances may be amended after publication. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or contact a local legal aid organization such as Legal Aid of Marin.
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