Rental Property Rules in Santa Rosa, CA

If you live in Santa Rosa 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. Santa Rosa has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of rental property rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Rent Control

Santa Rosa's Chapter 6-66 caps rent for mobilehome park spaces, not apartments or houses. Owners can't charge above the September 1, 1993 base rent plus authorized increases: an annual CPI-linked adjustment capped at 4%, in-place transfer bumps up to 10%, and specific pass-throughs for utilities and capital work. A City Arbitrator hears fair-return and rollback disputes.

Key details: Base rent: Locked to rent charged September 1, 1993. Annual increase cap: 70% of CPI, max 4%. 2023-2024 combined cap: Lesser of formula or 8%. Transfer increase: Capped at 10% of base rent. Dispute forum: City-appointed Rent Control Arbitrator.

An owner who imposes an increase beyond what Chapter 6-66 authorizes is subject to arbitration: the Arbitrator can disallow or reduce an improper pass-through, order a rent rollback for petitioners under Section 6-66.070(B), or freeze future increases until maintenance is restored. Arbitration costs are normally paid from the City's rent stabilization administration fee, but the Arbitrator may assess those costs against a party found to have taken a frivolous position under Section 6-66.090(C).

This is one of the stricter rules in Santa Rosa's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Rent Increase Notice

Before raising mobilehome park space rent or adding a capital pass-through, a Santa Rosa park owner must give each affected mobilehome owner and the City Clerk written notice at least 90 days ahead. Section 6-66.040(H) requires the notice to break down the dollar and percentage increase, the calculation method, and the resident's right to petition.

Key details: Notice period: 90 days before increase takes effect. Recipients: Clerk and each affected mobilehome owner. Required content: Dollar amount and percentage of increase. Required content: Calculation method and last-increase date. Required content: Statement of right to petition the Clerk.

A rent increase or pass-through charge issued without the required 90-day written notice, or without the itemized calculation and petition-rights disclosure Section 6-66.040(H) demands, is not properly noticed and can be challenged before the Arbitrator; a capital replacement pass-through specifically cannot take effect until the 90-day notice has run and the owner has verified actual costs. Owners who fail to notify the Clerk of a rent increase risk having the increase disallowed on review.

Repairs & Habitability

Santa Rosa landlords who furnish heat under a lease must maintain at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit in every habitable room, bathroom, and toilet room. Portable space heaters and cooking appliances never satisfy the requirement, even temporarily.

Key details: Minimum temperature: 68°F (20°C). Covered spaces: Habitable rooms, bathrooms, toilet rooms. Portable space heaters: Do not satisfy the requirement. Governing sections: SRCC § 18-20.602.2 and § 18-20.602.3. Exceptions: Deleted; none apply.

A confirmed heat-supply violation is treated as substandard housing under the Property Maintenance Code. Code Enforcement issues a correction notice requiring the owner to restore adequate fixed heating equipment; failure to comply can lead to an administrative citation, civil penalties, and, in serious cases, a substandard building declaration that restricts occupancy until repairs are made.

The Bottom Line

Santa Rosa'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 Santa Rosa is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Santa Rosa 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.