Pomona's Rental Property Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles rental property rules a little differently. In Pomona, California, there are 5 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.

Rent Increase Notice

Mobile home park owners in Pomona must serve homeowners written notice of intent to raise rent at least 60 calendar days before the increase takes effect, under Sec. 30-558. An owner may propose only one rent increase per space per calendar year, and any notice missing the city's required notice of tenant's rights form is invalid.

Key details: Notice period: 60 calendar days before increase takes effect. Frequency cap: One proposed increase per space per year. Required attachment: Notice of Tenant's Rights form. Overcharge penalty: $200 or 3x overcharge, whichever is greater. Exempt parks: 4 spaces or fewer, tenant-owned, or RV parks.

A mobile home park owner who receives or retains rent above the maximum lawful increase is liable to the resident for damages plus a civil penalty of $200.00 or three times the overcharge, whichever is greater, under Sec. 30-553(b), and a willful, unlawful violation can also be charged as a misdemeanor under Sec. 30-553(c). Sec. 30-554 lets a tenant simply refuse to pay any rent above the maximum annual increase, and that fact is a full defense in any city or park action to collect rent or recover possession of the space.

Repairs & Habitability

Pomona enforces rental housing conditions through a state income-tax lever: a rental building that violates health, safety or building codes and is not brought into compliance within six months of notice is declared substandard under City Code Sec. 74-253, and the building official can move to strip the owner's state tax deductions for interest, taxes, depreciation or amortization on that property.

Key details: Governing section: City Code Sec. 74-253. Compliance window: 6 months after notice. Enforcement lever: Loss of state income tax deduction. Appeal window: 10 days after notice of noncompliance. Referral agency: California Franchise Tax Board.

Failure to correct a substandard condition within six months of notice, absent an approved extension or one of the Sec. 74-257 exemptions, triggers a Franchise Tax Board referral that disallows the owner's state income tax deductions for interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization on the property, separate from any misdemeanor or civil code-enforcement action the city may also pursue under its general penalty, Sec. 1-7.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Pomona actively enforces its repairs & habitability 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.

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.

The Bottom Line

Pomona is tougher than many cities when it comes to rental property rules. Out of the 5 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.