Marin County Ordinances

If you live in an unincorporated community of Marin County, you are protected by a Just Cause for Eviction law and a Rent Dispute Resolution program. These ordinances are designed to stop unfair evictions and provide a mediation process for large rent increases.

Check Your Address: The ordinances do not apply to tenants living inside an incorporated city or town (like San Rafael, Sausalito, or Novato). You must confirm your address is in an unincorporated area of Marin County. You can search your address using the County of Marin Jurisdiction Lookup tool.

JUST CAUSE FOR EVICTION ORDINANCE

This ordinance prevents landlords from evicting tenants in covered properties without one of the specific "Just Cause" reasons listed below.

Who Is Covered?

  • All properties located in unincorporated Marin County that have three or more units. Units used as short-term rentals, unoccupied, vacant, and owner-occupied units all count toward the three-unit minimum.

  • Exemptions: Permitted ADUs/JADUs, government-owned/operated housing, most affordable housing developments (where at least 49% of units are restricted), and on-site property manager units.

The legal reasons for termination are divided into two categories: "For Cause" (based on the tenant's fault) and "No Fault" (based on the landlord's intent).

For Cause (Tenant Fault): Failure to pay rent, breach of a material term of the agreement, illegal activities, making threats of a violent crime, or causing a nuisance.

No Fault (Landlord Intent): Owner Move-In (landlord or immediate family member), Ellis Act Eviction (permanent removal of the unit from the rental market), or Substantial Rehabilitative Repairs (when permits require the unit to be removed temporarily).

Crucial Landlord Requirements Before Eviction

To legally evict a covered tenant, the landlord must demonstrate compliance with the following:

  • The landlord must have a valid business license and have registered their unit(s) with Marin County.

  • The landlord must have previously provided the tenant with a Notice of Tenants Rights.

  • The Notice of Termination must comply with all requirements for content, language, and delivery.

  • The landlord must be in compliance with all other local ordinances.

  • If the Landlord is removing the unit from the market (Ellis Act Eviction), the tenant is entitled to a 120-day written Notice to Terminate.

  • If the Landlord intends to move in or perform Substantial Repairs, State law applies. Tenants with less than one year of tenancy receive a 30-day notice; tenants with one year or more receive a 60-day notice.

NO MANDATORY RELOCATION PAYMENTS: Unlike many other California jurisdictions with Just Cause laws, Marin County does not require landlords to pay relocation or moving expenses for No-Fault terminations.

Additionally, if you or a household member is experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, these acts cannot be the basis for a "For Cause" eviction, and you can raise them as a defense.

RENTAL HOUSING DISPUTE RESOLUTION ORDINANCE

This ordinance is not a rent control law—it does not cap the maximum amount a landlord can charge. Instead, it offers a mandatory mediation process for tenants and landlords when a large rent increase is proposed.

Who Is Covered?

  • All residential dwelling units in unincorporated Marin County are covered, including single-family homes and condominiums (as long as they have a separate bathroom, kitchen, and living area).

  • Exemptions: Government-owned/operated housing and most affordable housing units.

When Can I Request Dispute Resolution?

  • A tenant (or landlord) is eligible to request dispute resolution services if they receive (or propose) a rent increase of more than 5% within a 12-month period.

  • The program is entirely free to both tenants and landlords.

  • Good Faith Participation: Once a valid request for mediation is approved, both parties are required to participate in good faith to try and negotiate a reasonable rent increase and reach an enforceable written agreement.

Notice Requirements for Rent Increases

In Marin County, tenants must rely on state law for notice requirements. Landlords can raise the rent to any amount they choose (as long as it's not retaliatory or against an existing lease), but they must provide:

  • 30-day written notice for rent increases of 10% or less.

  • 60-day written notice for rent increases of more than 10%.

Peregrine Legal Group, PC represents tenants across Marin County. Contact us to schedule a consultation.

Marin website: https://www.marincounty.gov/departments/cda/housing-and-grants/renting-marin/rent-increase

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge only and is not legal advice. For specific legal issues, you should consult with a qualified attorney or contact the Pasadena Rent Stabilization Department.