Pomona's Rental Property Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles rental property rules a little differently. In Pomona, 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.

Rent Control

Pomona adopted Ordinance No. 4359 (effective Jan 1, 2026) capping rent increases at 5% per year with one increase per 12-month period. Stricter than AB 1482 when CPI exceeds 0%. Single-family homes exempt under Costa-Hawkins.

Key details: Cap: 5% per year. Ordinance: No. 4359 (effective Jan 1, 2026). Frequency: One increase per 12 months. Exemptions: Single-family (Costa-Hawkins). Contact: RentStabilization@pomonaca.gov.

Exceeding allowed rent increase: tenant may file complaint with rent board. Overcharges must be refunded with interest. Repeated violations: fines $1,000 to $10,000.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Pomona actively enforces its rent control requirements.

Just Cause Eviction

Pomona Ordinance No. 4359 requires just cause for eviction: at-fault (nonpayment, breach, nuisance) or no-fault (owner move-in, withdrawal). No-fault evictions require relocation assistance. Disabled/terminally ill tenants of 10+ years have extra protection.

Key details: Just Cause: Required for all terminations. No-Fault: Relocation assistance required. Owner Move-In: Must occupy within 3 months, stay 12 months. Special Protection: 10+ yr disabled/ill tenants protected.

Wrongful eviction: tenant may sue for damages and relocation costs. No-fault eviction without relocation payment: fines $5,000 to $15,000. Retaliatory eviction: treble damages possible.

Compared to other cities, Pomona takes a harder line on just cause eviction. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Rental Registration

Pomona eliminated its rent registry program in the 2025 ordinance update. Landlords are no longer required to submit rent roll data or register units. Unlawful detainer filings must still be submitted to the city within 10 days.

Key details: Registry: Eliminated in Ordinance No. 4359. UD Filing: Must submit to city within 10 days. Petitions: Tenant/landlord petitions available. Contact: 909-620-3777.

Operating without registration: fines $100 to $1,000 per unit. Failed inspection: correction notice, re-inspection required. Renting uninhabitable unit: penalties up to $5,000 and potential criminal charges.

The Bottom Line

Pomona is tougher than many cities when it comes to rental property rules. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Pomona, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Pomona's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.