Rent Stabilization

State Law - AB 1482: Tenant Protection Act of 2019

The Tenant Protection Act of 2019 mandates statewide rent control for eligible rental properties, limiting annual rent increases. Increases are capped at 5% plus the change in the cost of living, or 10%, whichever is lower. Cities have the authority to adopt stricter ordinances than state law.

Local Ordinance No. 937: Just Cause Eviction and Tenant Protection | 2023

To address rising rents in Ventura County, the City of Ojai aims to provide stability for tenants while ensuring landlords receive fair returns.

Cap on Increases: Annual rent increases are limited to 4%, with only one increase allowed per 12-month period.

Petition for Higher Increases: Landlords may petition for increases above 4% if necessary for a fair return on investment. The application process involves notifying tenants, a 30-day response period, and a review by the Community Development Department.

Additional provisions:
  • Tenant Petitions: Tenants can petition if they believe a rent increase or service reduction violates the ordinance, providing notice and evidence to the landlord.
  • Notice Requirements: Landlords must inform tenants of the rent stabilization ordinance and their rights before tenancy and with any rent increase notice.
  • Penalties: Violating any ordinance provision is unlawful and subject to civil or criminal penalties.
  • Appeals: The Director’s decision on a rent adjustment application or tenant petition can be appealed by either a landlord or a tenant. To contest the decision, a request for an appeal must be filed. For more information on the hearing procedure, refer to Section 11-1.16 (Appeal hearing and procedure) of the Ojai Municipal Code.

Note: Certain types of residential properties or circumstances are exempt from this ordinance. For details on specific exemptions, refer to Section 11-1.08 (Exemptions) of the Ojai Municipal Code.