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San Jacinto is a city in Riverside County, California, with a population of roughly 55,000. The city does not have a local rent control or rent stabilization ordinance. Instead, renters in San Jacinto are protected by a comprehensive set of California state laws that limit rent increases, require just cause for eviction, cap security deposits, and guarantee habitable housing conditions.
The most important state law for San Jacinto renters is the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482, codified at Civil Code §§ 1947.12 and 1946.2), which provides rent-increase caps and just-cause eviction protections for most multi-family renters statewide. Additional protections were added by SB 567 (effective April 2024) and AB 12 (effective July 1, 2024). Riverside County also maintains a rent stabilization program for mobile homes, and free legal aid is available locally through Inland Counties Legal Services and Riverside Legal Aid.
This guide summarizes the state and local rules that apply to most San Jacinto renters. Because landlord-tenant law can be complex and fact-specific, tenants with questions about their individual situation should contact a qualified attorney or one of the free legal aid resources listed below.
San Jacinto has not adopted a local rent control or rent stabilization ordinance. There is no city agency that regulates rents, accepts rent-increase complaints, or maintains a rental registry for residential units in San Jacinto.
Renters in San Jacinto who are covered by California's statewide Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) are subject to the state rent cap described in the State Protections section below. Renters who are not covered by AB 1482—such as tenants in single-family homes with proper written exemption notices, condos sold separately from the rest of the building, or units built within the last 15 years—have no cap on rent increases beyond the requirement of proper advance notice (Civil Code § 827).
Rent Cap (AB 1482 — Civil Code § 1947.12): For covered units, landlords may not raise rent by more than 5% plus the local Consumer Price Index (CPI), with a maximum increase of 10%, in any 12-month period. Only one increase is permitted per 12 months. Covered units include most apartments and multi-family buildings that are at least 15 years old and are not owner-occupied single-family homes or condos with proper written notice of exemption. SB 567 (effective April 1, 2024) strengthened enforcement of the rent cap by clarifying that landlords cannot circumvent the cap through lease-end or move-out agreements.
Just-Cause Eviction (AB 1482 — Civil Code § 1946.2): Tenants who have continuously and lawfully occupied a covered unit for at least 12 months cannot be evicted without just cause. Just cause falls into two categories: (1) at-fault causes, such as nonpayment of rent, lease violations, criminal activity, or subletting without permission; and (2) no-fault causes, such as owner move-in, demolition, or withdrawal of the unit from the rental market. For no-fault evictions, landlords must pay the tenant one month's rent in relocation assistance.
Security Deposits (AB 12 — Civil Code § 1950.5): As of July 1, 2024, landlords may collect no more than one month's rent as a security deposit for unfurnished units, regardless of whether the tenant has a pet. Before AB 12 took effect, the cap was two months' rent (three for furnished units). Landlords must return the deposit, along with an itemized statement of any deductions, within 21 days after the tenant vacates.
Notice to Vacate (Civil Code § 1946.1): To terminate a month-to-month tenancy, landlords must give at least 30 days' written notice if the tenant has lived in the unit for less than one year, or at least 60 days' written notice if the tenant has lived there for one year or more. Tenants must give at least 30 days' written notice to terminate regardless of length of tenancy.
Habitability (Civil Code §§ 1941.1, 1942): Landlords must maintain rental units in a habitable condition, including weatherproofing, plumbing, heating, electrical systems, and freedom from vermin infestations. If a landlord fails to make necessary repairs after proper notice, tenants may have the right to repair and deduct the cost from rent (up to one month's rent) or to withhold rent under certain circumstances.
Retaliation Prohibited (Civil Code § 1942.5): Landlords may not retaliate against tenants for exercising legal rights, such as complaining to a government agency, requesting repairs, or organizing with other tenants. Retaliation is presumed if adverse action occurs within 180 days of a protected activity.
No Self-Help Evictions (Civil Code § 789.3): Landlords may not lock out tenants, remove doors or windows, or shut off utilities to force a tenant out. Tenants subjected to self-help evictions may sue for actual damages, punitive damages of up to $100 per day, and attorney's fees.
California law (Civil Code § 1950.5, as amended by AB 12 effective July 1, 2024) limits security deposits in San Jacinto to one month's rent for unfurnished units. This cap applies regardless of whether the tenant has a pet. Furnished units are also subject to a one-month cap under AB 12, with a narrow exception for individual landlords who own no more than two residential rental properties totaling no more than four units.
At the end of the tenancy, the landlord must return the security deposit—minus any lawful deductions for unpaid rent, cleaning, or damage beyond normal wear and tear—along with a written, itemized statement of deductions, within 21 days of the tenant vacating the unit. Failure to return the deposit within 21 days, or bad-faith withholding, may entitle the tenant to twice the withheld amount as a penalty, plus attorney's fees (Civil Code § 1950.5(l)).
Landlords in San Jacinto must follow California's formal eviction (unlawful detainer) process to remove a tenant. Self-help measures—such as changing the locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities—are illegal under Civil Code § 789.3.
Required notices before filing in court:
If the tenant does not comply with the notice, the landlord must file an unlawful detainer lawsuit in Riverside County Superior Court. The tenant has the right to respond and be heard before a judge. A tenant who believes an eviction is retaliatory or lacks required just cause should seek legal advice promptly, as response deadlines are short (typically 5 business days after service of the summons).
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant-rights laws change frequently; always verify current rules with an attorney or a qualified legal aid organization. Use of this site does not create an attorney-client relationship.
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