Rental Property Rules in Sonora, CA (2026)
4 verified rental property rules for Sonora, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Rent Control
Sonora does not have a local rent control ordinance. California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) applies statewide, limiting annual rent increases to 5% plus local CPI or 10%, whichever is lower, for qualifying rental properties built before a specified date.
Sonora Rent Control Regulations
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code § 1947.12 (AB 1482 Tenant Protection Act)
(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 prior to the...
Just Cause Eviction
Sonora follows California's statewide just cause eviction protections under AB 1482. Landlords cannot evict tenants who have occupied a unit for 12 months or more without a specified just cause, which includes at-fault reasons like nonpayment and no-fault reasons like owner move-in.
Sonora Just Cause Eviction Protections
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code § 1946.2 (AB 1482 Tenant Protection Act)
(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 the 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 and la...
Rental Registration
Sonora does not require a general rental property registration program for long-term rentals. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) require a separate transient use permit and business license. Standard rental properties must comply with California habitability standards and building codes.
Sonora Rental Property Registration Rules
Some RestrictionsCal. Civ. Code § 1947.12 (Tenant Protection Act - Rent Cap)
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...
Repairs & Habitability
Rental properties in Sonora must meet California habitability standards under Civil Code section 1941.1. Landlords must maintain weatherproofing, plumbing, heating, electrical, sanitation, and structural safety. Sonora building codes under Title 15 also apply.
Sonora Rental Habitability Standards
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code § 1941.1
(a) A dwelling shall be deemed untenantable for purposes of Section 1941 if it substantially lacks any of the following affirmative standard characteristics or is a residential unit described in Section 17920.3 or 17920.10 of the Health and Safety Code: (1) Effective waterproofing and weather protection of roof and exterior walls, including unbroken windows and doors. (2) Plumbing or gas facili...
Looking for Tuolumne County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Sonora city rules.
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