Rental Property Rules in San Ramon, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in San Ramon 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. San Ramon has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of rental property rules, and some of them might surprise you.
Rental Registration
San Ramon does not currently operate a mandatory city-wide residential rental registration program. Landlords must still obtain a City of San Ramon business license and comply with California state rental laws including AB 1482 rent cap/just cause (for qualifying properties), security deposit limits under Civil Code 1950.5, and statewide habitability standards. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) have separate registration requirements. Property owners of 3+ units should review state landlord-tenant rules carefully.
Key details: No Mandatory: No mandatory rental registry in San Ramon. Business License: Business license required for rental operation. Ab 1482: AB 1482 rent cap and just cause apply to qualifying properties. Ab 12: AB 12 (2024) capped most security deposits at one month. Source-of-income Discrimination: Source-of-income discrimination (Section 8) prohibited.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
San Ramon is more permissive than most cities when it comes to rental registration. That said, there are still limits.
Mold Disclosure
California Civil Code 1941.7 and Health & Safety Code 17920.3 require San Ramon landlords to disclose known visible mold in a unit and to remediate mold that makes a dwelling substandard. There is no San Ramon-specific mold ordinance. Tenants can pursue habitability remedies, and Contra Costa County Environmental Health handles complaints.
Key details: Visible Mold Substandard: Visible mold is a substandard condition under H&S 17920.3. Landlord Disclose Known: Landlord must disclose. California Airborne Mold: No California airborne mold exposure limit exists. Contra Costa County: Contra Costa County Environmental Health handles complaints. Retaliatory Eviction Barred: Retaliatory eviction barred for 180 days after complaint.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Lead Paint Disclosure
San Ramon follows federal Title X and California disclosure rules for lead-based paint in pre-1978 housing. Landlords must provide the EPA pamphlet, a written disclosure of known lead hazards, and a 10-day inspection opportunity before lease signing. The city does not impose additional local lead disclosure requirements beyond state and federal mandates.
Key details: Applies To Housing: Applies to housing built before January 1, 1978. Epa Pamphlet And: EPA pamphlet and written disclosure required before lease. 10day Inspection Window: 10-day inspection window applies to sales, not rentals. Rrpcertified Contractors Requi: RRP-certified contractors required for renovation. No San Ramonspecific: No San Ramon-specific lead ordinance on top of federal law.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The Bottom Line
San Ramon'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 San Ramon is broadly strict or permissive.
These rules come from San Ramon's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.