Rental Registration: Brentwood vs El Cerrito
How do rental registration rules compare between Brentwood, CA and El Cerrito, CA?
El Cerrito has fewer restrictions than Brentwood.
Brentwood, CA
Contra Costa County
Brentwood requires owners of residential rental properties to obtain a city business license (the Transient Tax/rental business license) and pay the annual tax based on the number of units rented. The city does not operate a standalone rental registration/inspection ordinance but coordinates complaints through code enforcement.
View full Brentwood rules →El Cerrito, CA
Contra Costa County
Unincorporated Contra Costa County does not operate a mandatory rental registration program for single-family or small multi-family rentals. Landlords are subject to state requirements including AB 1482 rent cap, Tenant Protection Act, and general business tax filings.
View full El Cerrito rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Brentwood | El Cerrito |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Mandatory registration | - | No general program for long-term rentals |
| Rent cap | - | AB 1482 — 5% + CPI, 10% max |
| Just cause | - | AB 1482 — required for covered properties |
| STR registration | - | TOT with Treasurer-Tax Collector |
| Habitability | - | CA Civil Code 1941+; Health Dept. enforcement |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Brentwood FAQ
El Cerrito FAQ
Do I need to register as a landlord in unincorporated CCC?
No general rental registration program exists. However, short-term rental operators must register for transient occupancy tax, and landlords must comply with state law including AB 1482 where applicable.
How much can I raise the rent each year?
Under AB 1482, most covered rentals are capped at 5 percent plus local CPI, not to exceed 10 percent total in any 12-month period. Single-family homes owned by individuals (not corporations) are exempt with proper written notice.
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