Rental Property Rules in Palm Springs, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Palm Springs or are thinking about moving there, rental property rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Palm Springs has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of rental property rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Just Cause Eviction

After 12 months of tenancy (or 24 months with multiple adults), California's AB 1482 requires landlords to have just cause to terminate tenancy. At-fault causes include nonpayment and lease violations; no-fault causes (owner move-in, withdrawal, substantial remodel) require relocation assistance of one month's rent.

Key details: Rental: Just cause after 12 months occupancy. Fault Fault: At-fault and no-fault categories. One Month: One month relocation for no-fault. Notice Required: 60-day notice required. Limits: Same exemptions as rent cap.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Palm Springs code enforcement](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1946.2&lawCode=CIV) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Rent Control

Palm Springs has no local rent control beyond California's statewide Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482). AB 1482 caps annual rent increases at 5% plus local CPI (max 10%) for covered multifamily units over 15 years old. Single-family homes not owned by corporations and newer buildings are exempt.

Key details: Local Rent: No local rent control; AB 1482 applies. Limit: 5% + CPI cap, max 10% annually. One Increase: One increase per 12 months. Exemption: Exemption: SFH not owned by corp. Age Restriction: Exemption: buildings under 15 years old.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Palm Springs code enforcement](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1947.12&lawCode=CIV) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Rental Registration

Palm Springs does not have a general long-term rental registration program, but short-term vacation rentals (stays under 28 days) require a Vacation Rental Registration Certificate, TOT certificate, and annual permit under PSMC Chapter 5.25. Long-term rentals need only a city business license.

Key details: Permit/License: Long-term rentals: business license only. Permit/License: Short-term (under 28 days): full VR permit. STR under: STR under PSMC Chapter 5.25. Requirements: TOT certificate required for STRs. 24/7 local: 24/7 local contact for STRs.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Palm Springs code enforcement](https://www.palmspringsca.gov/government/departments/special-program-compliance/vacation-rentals) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

The Bottom Line

Palm Springs's rental property rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Palm Springs is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Palm Springs can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.