How Richmond Handles Rental Property Rules: A Practical Guide
Richmond maintains 88 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with rental property rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Richmond falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Mold Disclosure
California's Toxic Mold Protection Act requires Richmond landlords to disclose known visible mold that exceeds health guidelines before a tenant signs a lease, and Richmond Code Enforcement can cite untreated mold under state habitability standards. There is no Richmond-specific mold disclosure ordinance beyond state law.
Key details: Ca Health: CA Health & Safety Code §§26100-26156 governs mold disclosure statewide. Visible Mold Beyond: Visible mold beyond minor bathroom accumulation = substandard under Civil Code §1941.1. Richmond Code Enforcement: Richmond Code Enforcement investigates under RMC Chapter 6.44. Landlords Must Fix: Landlords must fix the moisture source, not just remove visible mold. Uncorrected Mold Can: Uncorrected mold can support a rent reduction petition at the Rent Board.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Rental Registration
Richmond mandates rental unit registration with the Richmond Rent Program under the Fair Rent, Just Cause for Eviction, and Homeowner Protection Ordinance (Measure L, 2016), with annual fees and strict disclosure requirements.
Key details: Registration: Richmond Rent Program registration mandatory. Local Authority: Measure L (2016) / RMC Ch. 11.100. Annual Fee: Annual rental housing fee per unit. Just Cause: Just cause eviction protections apply. State Law: AB 1482 state protections also apply.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Compared to other cities, Richmond takes a harder line on rental registration. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Lead Paint Disclosure
Richmond landlords must comply with federal and California lead-based paint disclosure rules for any housing built before 1978, providing the EPA pamphlet, a written disclosure form, and any known lead hazard reports before a lease is signed. Richmond's older housing stock in the Iron Triangle, Point Richmond, and other pre-1978 neighborhoods makes this a frequent enforcement issue.
Key details: Standards: Applies to all rental housing built before January 1, 1978. Disclosures: EPA pamphlet + signed disclosure form required before lease signing. Penalties: Federal penalties up to $21,916 per violation (2024 adjusted). Standards: California law treats deteriorated lead paint as a substandard condition. Certifications: RRP-certified contractors required for renovations disturbing paint.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Compared to other cities, Richmond takes a harder line on lead paint disclosure. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
The Bottom Line
Richmond 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 Richmond, 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 Richmond's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.