Rental Property Rules in El Cajon, CA (2026)
3 verified rental property rules for El Cajon, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Rent Control
El Cajon does not have a local rent control ordinance. Covered rental properties are subject to California's AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act), which caps annual rent increases at 5% plus CPI or 10%, whichever is less. For San Diego County in 2025-2026, the maximum allowable increase is 8.8%.
El Cajon Rent Control — State Law Only
Some RestrictionsCal. Civ. Code Sec. 1947.12 (Tenant Protection Act — Annual Rent Increase Caps)
1947.12. (a) (1) Subject to subdivision (b), an owner of residential real property shall not, over the course of any 12-month period, increase the gross rental rate for a dwelling or a unit more than 5 percent plus the percentage change in the cost of living, or 10 percent, whichever is lower, of the lowest gross rental rate charged for that dwelling or unit at any time during the 12 months pri...
Just Cause Eviction
El Cajon does not have a local just cause eviction ordinance. Covered tenancies are protected by California AB 1482, which requires landlords to cite a specific just cause for terminating tenancies of 12+ months. No-fault evictions require relocation assistance of one month's rent.
El Cajon Just Cause Eviction — State Law
Some RestrictionsCal. Civ. Code Sec. 1946.2 (Tenant Protection Act — Just Cause for Termination)
1946.2. (a) Notwithstanding any other law, after a tenant has continuously and lawfully occupied a residential real property for 12 months, the owner of the residential real property shall not terminate a tenancy without just cause, which shall be stated in the written notice to terminate tenancy. If any additional adult tenants are added to the lease before an existing tenant has continuously ...
Rental Registration
El Cajon does not require a separate rental property registration program. Landlords must obtain a city business license under ECMC Title 5 for rental property operations. The city follows state law requirements for rental properties including AB 1482 compliance.
El Cajon Rental Property Registration
Few RestrictionsCal. Civ. Code Sec. 1947.12 (Tenant Protection Act — Annual Rent Increase Caps)
1947.12. (a) (1) Subject to subdivision (b), an owner of residential real property shall not, over the course of any 12-month period, increase the gross rental rate for a dwelling or a unit more than 5 percent plus the percentage change in the cost of living, or 10 percent, whichever is lower, of the lowest gross rental rate charged for that dwelling or unit at any time during the 12 months pri...
Looking for San Diego County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement El Cajon city rules.
Rental Property Rules in San Diego County →