Rental Property Rules in Merced, CA (2026)
3 verified rental property rules for Merced, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Rent Control
Merced has no general rent control ordinance. It imposes only a narrow, temporary rent freeze under Chapter 9.75: a landlord who displaced a tenant for storm-related repairs cannot raise rent for six months after that tenant returns to the unit.
Merced Post-Repair Rent Increase Moratorium
Light RestrictionsMerced, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 9.75.050
A landlord may not increase rent on a property subject to Section 9.75.040 above, for six (6) months from the date that the tenant returns to the respective unit following completion of repair or rehabilitation. A.A property that is exempt from rent limits imposed by Civil Code Section 1947.12 or Civil Code Section 1954.50 et seq. is exempt from this section.B.This section does not apply when a...
Just Cause Eviction
Merced requires just cause to end a tenancy in any rental unit damaged by the January 8, 2023 storm and flooding emergency. Landlords may still terminate for no-fault reasons like owner move-in, demolition, or code-ordered vacation, but arbitrary termination of a lawful tenant is barred under Chapter 9.75.
Merced Storm-Displaced Tenant Eviction Rule
Some RestrictionsMerced, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 9.75.010, Sec. 9.75.030
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all rental units in whole or in part, that were damaged by the emergency that occurred on or about January 8, 2023. A landlord shall not terminate a residential tenancy without just cause, including at-fault just cause, of any tenant who lawfully occupies the property, regardless of the length of time. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this ...
Repairs & Habitability
Merced enforces rental-property habitability through the 1997 Uniform Housing Code, adopted by reference at Municipal Code Section 17.08.010. The code sets the minimum sanitation, structural, and occupancy standards a dwelling must meet, and Section 17.08.020 makes any violation a misdemeanor. Owners can appeal a Chief Building Official housing-code order to the city's five-member Building and Housing Board of Appeals.
Merced's Housing Code Habitability Standards
Some RestrictionsMerced, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 17.08.010 (Uniform Housing Code—Adoption)
That certain document, three (3) certified copies of which are on file in the office of the city clerk, marked and designated as "Uniform Housing Code, 1997 Edition," including the appendix thereto, prepared by the International Conference of Building Officials as amended by the State Building Standard Commission, is adopted by reference as the housing code of the city.
Looking for Merced County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Merced city rules.
Rental Property Rules in Merced County →