Rental Property Rules in Contra Costa County, CA (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 8 cities in Contra Costa County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Rental Registration

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.

Rental Property: Registration

Some Restrictions

AB 1482 / California Civil Code § 1947.12(a)-(b)

(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...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Repairs & Habitability

Every rental dwelling unit owner in unincorporated Contra Costa County must keep the unit and premises free of 'substandard conditions' under Section 720-8.402. Section 720-8.404's exterior maintenance standards require weathertight walls and roofs, sound windows and doors, and safely maintained chimneys, gutters, and accessory structures, on top of the state Building, Housing, and Health and Safety Codes.

Contra Costa County Rental Habitability Standards

Some Restrictions

Contra Costa County Ordinance Code §§ 720-8.402, 720-8.404(a), (e)

Every property owner of a rental dwelling unit in the unincorporated area of the county shall:(a)Maintain the rental dwelling unit and its premises so that no substandard condition exists at the rental dwelling unit or on the premises;(b)Correct all substandard conditions before a reinspection occurs... Rental dwelling units and premises shall meet the following exterior maintenance standards:(...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗