Rental Registration: Ontario vs San Bernardino
How do rental registration rules compare between Ontario, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Ontario has fewer restrictions than San Bernardino.
Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Ontario does not maintain a citywide rental registry, but landlords must obtain a business license for rental activity under OMC Title 4 and comply with state rent cap disclosure rules.
View full Ontario rules →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino landlords must obtain a business registration certificate under Municipal Code 5.04 and comply with the Residential Rental Inspection Program run by Code Enforcement, typically on a 3 to 5 year cycle.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ontario | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Local registry | None in Ontario | - |
| Business license | Required under OMC Title 4 | - |
| AB 1482 notice | Required in all leases | - |
| Habitability | Health and Safety Code 17920.3 | - |
| Contact | Ontario Finance (909) 395-2022 | San Bernardino Code Enforcement (909) 384-5122 |
| Legal authority | - | San Bernardino Municipal Code Chapter 5.04 |
| Who must register | - | All landlords renting residential property in the city |
| Inspection cycle | - | Roughly every 3 to 5 years based on compliance |
| Tenant notice | - | 24 hours required for inspections per Civil Code 1954 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Ontario FAQ
Do I need to register my Ontario rental with the City?
Ontario does not have a rental registry, but you must get a business license from the Finance Department before collecting rent, and renew it annually.
What happens if I rent without a business license?
The City can issue administrative citations, deny permits, and place a lien on the property for unpaid license taxes under OMC Title 4.
San Bernardino FAQ
Do I have to register a single rental home in San Bernardino?
Yes. A business registration certificate is required for any rental activity under Municipal Code Chapter 5.04, including a single-family home rented out to tenants.
Will my tenants be present during a rental inspection?
Landlords must give tenants at least 24 hours of written notice before any inspection under California Civil Code 1954. Tenants have the right to be present and can refuse entry without proper notice.
What happens if I skip registration?
The city can issue administrative citations under Chapter 8.30, impose back-registration fees, and deny related permits. Chronic offenders can be referred for misdemeanor prosecution.
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