Ventura's Rental Property Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles rental property rules a little differently. In Ventura, California, there are 4 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.

Just Cause Eviction

Chapter 8.1100 of the San Buenaventura Municipal Code layers city-specific requirements onto California's statewide just-cause eviction law for landlords citing intent to demolish or substantially remodel a rental unit. Owners must secure all permits before serving notice and pay tenants two months' rent in relocation assistance within 15 days.

Key details: Governing sections: SBMC § 8.1100.020 and § 8.1100.030. Effective: May 23, 2022 (Ord. 2022-006). Relocation assistance: 2 months' rent, paid within 15 days. Permits required: Before the termination notice is served. Civil penalty: Up to $15,000 for intentional violation.

Section 8.1100.050 makes clear that failing to comply with Chapter 8.1100 is not a criminal offense, but a tenant may raise the violation as an affirmative defense in an unlawful detainer proceeding. Beyond that defense, a tenant may bring a civil action against an owner who intentionally violates the chapter by issuing an invalid termination notice, recovering a civil penalty of up to $15,000 plus reasonable attorney's fees and costs as determined by the court.

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

Rent Control

In the City of Ventura, general apartment and single-family rents run on California's statewide rent cap, but mobile home park space rent is different: San Buenaventura Municipal Code Chapter 6.600 sets a local formula and requires approval from the city's Mobile Home Rent Review Board or its rent administrator before a park owner can raise a resident's space rent.

Key details: Governing chapter: Municipal Code Chapter 6.600 (adopted 1981). Applies to: Mobile home park space rent only, not apartments. Increase cap: Lesser of 7% or 75% of CPI (remainder component). Review body: 5-member Mobile Home Rent Review Board. Small-park exemption: Parks under 15 spaces are exempt.

Chapter 6.600 carries no separate penalty section, so an unapproved space-rent increase falls under the code's general enforcement provisions: Municipal Code Section 1.150.010 makes any violation of the code a misdemeanor unless stated otherwise, and Section 1.150.020 sets the default penalty at a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both, with each day of a continuing violation treated as a separate offense.

Rent Increase Notice

Before a mobile home park in the City of Ventura raises a resident's space rent under the annual CPI-based option in Municipal Code Section 6.600.070(F), the city's rent administrator must calculate the allowed increase and mail notice to the park owner and the park's residents' representative first.

Key details: Governing section: Municipal Code § 6.600.070(F). Increase cap: 5% of current base rent per year. Who calculates: City rent administrator, not the park owner. Who gets notice: Park owner and residents' representative by mail. Opt-in deadline: 120 days' written notice to use this method.

A rent increase charged without the rent administrator's calculation and mailed notice is not legally in effect under Section 6.600.070(F)(1), leaving the park owner exposed to a tenant challenge or a rent-roll correction. Because Chapter 6.600 has no separate penalty clause, an owner who otherwise violates the chapter falls under the code's general misdemeanor provisions, Sections 1.150.010 and 1.150.020: up to a $1,000 fine, up to six months in jail, or both, with each day a separate offense.

Repairs & Habitability

Ventura amends the adopted Property Maintenance Code to require landlords to supply heat. Municipal Code Section 12.310.020(DD)-(EE) makes owners keep every habitable room, bathroom and toilet room at a minimum 68°F, and bars space heaters or cooking appliances as the sole heat source. Code Enforcement handles complaints under the San Buenaventura Property Maintenance Code.

Key details: Minimum temperature: 68°F in habitable rooms, bathrooms, toilet rooms. Who must supply it: Any owner or operator renting or leasing a unit. Banned substitute heat: Cooking appliances, unvented portable space heaters. Enforcing office: Code Enforcement Division. Appeals body: City Council sitting as Board of Appeals.

A landlord who fails to supply heat under Section 12.310.020(EE) is subject to a code enforcement notice of violation and can be prosecuted under the fee and penalty structure in the City's User Fee resolution referenced at amended Section 104.1. The property owner remains liable for a Section 302.1 sanitation violation even where a third-party manager or tenant agreement purports to shift that duty, and the occupant can be held jointly liable for causing or contributing to a violation.

The Bottom Line

Ventura'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 Ventura is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Ventura 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.