Sacramento Tenant Protection Act

The City of Sacramento enforces the Sacramento Tenant Protection Act (City Ordinance) which provides limits on rent increases and requires "Just Cause" for evictions. This is managed by the Tenant Protection Program (TPP).

Who is Covered by the Sacramento Tenant Protection Act?

The Sacramento Tenant Protection Act (City Ordinance) provides the core protections in the city.

1. Rent Caps

  • Applies to: Multi-unit buildings (two or more units) built before February 1, 1995.

  • Key Exemptions: Newer buildings (post-1995), single-family homes, and condominiums.

2. Just Cause Eviction Protections

  • Applies to: Multi-unit buildings (two or more units) built before February 1, 1995, once the tenant has resided in the unit for more than 12 months.

Note on State Law: Units exempt from the Sacramento City Ordinance (like single-family homes or newer buildings) are likely covered by the California Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482), which provides similar rent caps and Just Cause protections at the state level.

RENT INCREASES AND THE MAXIMUM RATE

For covered units (multi-unit buildings built before Feb. 1, 1995), annual rent increases are capped by the City Ordinance.

Maximum Allowable Rent Increase

  • Limit: The annual rent increase cannot exceed the maximum annual rent adjustment rate set by the TPP.

  • Calculation: The rate is calculated as 5% plus the annual percentage increase in the California Consumer Price Index (CPI), capped at 10%.

  • Frequency: Rent may not be increased more than once in a 12-month period.

Petitions for Above-Limit Increases

A landlord may petition the City for a rent adjustment higher than the annual maximum if they can demonstrate it is necessary to provide a fair rate of return. The Hearing Examiner will consider factors including: Increases in property taxes and operating expenses; the cost of necessary capital improvements (only those required for health and safety compliance, amortized over their useful life); and substantial deterioration of the unit (not due to normal wear and tear).

JUST CAUSE EVICTION PROTECTIONS

Once a tenant has resided in a covered unit for more than 12 months, the landlord must have a legally recognized reason to terminate the tenancy.

The Just Cause Reasons for Eviction (7 Reasons)

  • For Cause (Tenant Fault): Failure to pay rent, breach of the rental agreement (after notice to cure), refusal to give the landlord access, or engaging in criminal activity/nuisance.

  • No Fault (Landlord Intent): Owner Move-In (OMI), Necessary and Substantial Repairs requiring temporary vacancy, or Withdrawal of the Unit from the Rental Market (including demolition).

Requirements for No-Fault Evictions

  • Owner Move-In (OMI): The landlord must be a natural person who owns at least 51% of the building and seeks to recover the unit for use as a primary residence by themselves or an immediate family member (spouse, parent, child, sibling, etc.). State Law Protection (AB 1482): For properties covered by state law, the owner/relative must move in within 90 days and reside there for at least 12 months. If not, the tenant has the right to move back in at the original rent and be reimbursed for moving expenses.

  • Substantial Repairs: The landlord must have all necessary permits and provide 120 days' advance written notice. The repairs must be necessary to bring the unit into code compliance and make the unit uninhabitable for at least 30 days.

    • Right of Return: The landlord is required to offer the tenant the right to reoccupy the unit upon completion of the repairs at the same rental rate.

  • Withdrawal from Market: Requires 120 days' advance written notice and the landlord must withdraw all units in the building from the rental market for at least 12 months.

Notice Periods

  • No-Fault Evictions: Require at least 120 days' advance written notice.

  • For-Cause Evictions: Follow state law (typically 3-day notice to pay or quit).

Relocation Assistance

  • No Mandatory Relocation Payment: At this time, the Sacramento Tenant Protection Act (City Ordinance) does not require landlords to pay relocation benefits for No-Fault evictions (like OMI or Substantial Repairs).

  • State Law Applies: For units covered by state law (AB 1482), the tenant is entitled to one month's rent in relocation assistance (or a written waiver of the final month's rent).

Peregrine Legal Group, PC, represents tenants throughout San Rafael County. Contact us to schedule a consultation.


Sacramento Rent Ordinance Website: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/community-development/code-compliance/rental-info-hub/tenant-protection-program

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.