Rental Property Rules in Novato, CA (2026)
3 verified rental property rules for Novato, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Rent Control
In the City of Novato, California, Chapter XX of the Municipal Code is the rent control ordinance, and Section 20-2 confines it to mobilehome parks. Space rents are capped at a base rent from January 1, 1996, with a yearly adjustment of the CPI change or four percent, whichever is lower.
Novato Rent Control: Mobilehome Park Space Rents
Significant RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code §§ 20-2 and 20-5
a.Except as otherwise provided hereinafter, the provisions of this chapter apply only to mobilehome parks which contain mobilehome spaces as defined in this chapter and to the mobilehomes within such parks.b.No rent increases shall be permitted with respect to any mobilehome space after the adoption of this chapter, except as authorized by this chapter or applicable law. ... Each January 1, com...
Just Cause Eviction
Landlords in the City of Novato are prohibited from terminating a covered tenancy unless the reason is an at-fault or no-fault just cause listed in section 4-17.5. Before terminating, a landlord must give a notice of tenant rights and a written termination notice, and no-fault terminations carry relocation payments. Ordinance No. 1731, adopted 4-28-2026, enacted the current section.
Novato Just Cause Eviction Protections for Tenants
Significant RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 4-17.5
4-17.5 Just Cause Requirements for Termination of Tenancy. Landlords are prohibited from terminating tenancies to which this section applies unless the termination is for an "at-fault" or "no-fault" just cause in accordance with this section, and unless and until the landlord first satisfies the termination prerequisites specified in this section. ... c.No-Fault Just Cause. The following circum...
Repairs & Habitability
In the City of Novato, California, apartment buildings with three or more apartments and hotels with four or more guest rooms must meet the substandard housing provisions of the Uniform Housing Code adopted in section 4-1. When an inspection finds a violation, the city can pursue any remedy state law or the Novato Municipal Code allows, including nuisance abatement under section 1-6.
Novato Rental Housing Habitability and Substandard Housing Rules
Some RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 4-14.08
If an inspection of an apartment building or hotel, or any apartment or guest room located within or the premises thereof, conducted pursuant to this section reveals the existence of any violations of applicable city ordinance or other laws relating to such housing, including the substandard housing provisions of the Uniform Housing Code as adopted by reference in section 4-1 of this code, the ...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Novato city rules.
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