Rental Property Rules in Kern County, CA (2026)

1 county-level rule, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Kern County, California.

Verified from official government sources

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

Repairs & Habitability

Kern County's Property Maintenance Code requires every dwelling in the unincorporated county to hold habitable rooms, bathrooms and toilet rooms at 68 degrees Fahrenheit, per Section 17.16.040 amending IPMC Section 602.2. Landlords cannot rely on cooking appliances or portable unvented heaters to meet that duty, and the Code Official can placard a noncompliant unit "Occupancy Unsafe."

Kern County Rentals Must Hold 68°F Minimum

Some Restrictions

Kern County Code § 17.16.040 (amending IPMC § 602.2)

Section 602.2 amended—Residential occupancies. Section 602.2. Dwellings shall be provided with heating facilities capable of maintaining a room temperature of 68 degrees F (20 degree C) in all habitable rooms, bathrooms, and toilet rooms in accordance with the provisions of Section R303.10 of the Kern County Residential Code. Cooking appliances shall not be used, nor shall portable, unvented f...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Rental Property Rules by City in Kern County

1 cities in Kern County have their own rental property rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

BakersfieldPop. 403,455

11 verified rules • AB-1482 Notice Disclosure, Repairs & Habitability

All Kern County ordinances

See every category we cover for Kern County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Kern County Ordinance Hub →