Clovis's Rental Property Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles rental property rules a little differently. In Clovis, California, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Just Cause Eviction

CA AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act) just-cause eviction applies in Clovis for most rentals. Clovis has NO additional local just-cause law. SFR/condo exempt if owner-occupied duplex or separately owned SFR.

Key details: State Law: AB 1482 / §1946.2. Trigger: 12 months tenancy. SFR Exemption: Yes (notice required). No-Fault Relocation: 1 month rent. Local Ordinance: None.

Illegal eviction: tenant may sue for actual damages + up to 3x damages + attorney fees under §1946.2(h).

This is one of the stricter rules in Clovis's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Rent Control

No rent control in Clovis. CA AB 1482 caps annual rent increases at 5% + CPI (max 10%) for covered units. Costa-Hawkins exempts newer/SFR properties.

Key details: Local Rent Control: None. State Cap: 5% + CPI (max 10%). Costa-Hawkins: SFR/new exempt. Covered Age: 15+ years. Code: Civ §1947.12.

The rules around rent control in Clovis lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Rental Registration

Clovis does not require a general rental property registration program. Landlords must obtain a business license; STRs have separate permit requirements.

Key details: Rental Registry: Not required. Business License: Required. STR Permit: Separate. Habitability: Civ §1941.1. Inspections: Complaint-based.

Clovis is more permissive than most cities when it comes to rental registration. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Clovis gives residents more room on rental property rules. 2 of the 3 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

All of the above reflects Clovis's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.