Cathedral City, CA Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)

Chapter 8.20 adopts the 2021 International Property Maintenance Code, with amendments, as the Property Maintenance Code for Cathedral City. Under § 8.20.010 it governs the requirements for the maintenance of existing buildings and the issuance of permits and collection of permit fees. The local changes in § 8.20.020 all concern Section 602, retitled Heating and Air Conditioning Facilities. Section 602.1 says heating and air conditioning facilities shall be provided in structures as required by the section. Section 602.2 adds that dwellings shall be provided with air conditioning facilities at all times, capable of maintaining a maximum temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit in all habitable rooms. New Section 602.3.1 puts the duty on landlords: every owner and operator of any building who rents, leases or lets one or more dwelling units or sleeping units shall supply air conditioning at all times, to maintain a maximum temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit in all habitable rooms.

The requirement is not limited to rentals. Section 8.18.020 adds Residential Code Section R303.11, requiring every dwelling unit to have air conditioning facilities capable of maintaining a room temperature of not more than 80 degrees Fahrenheit in all habitable rooms. Residential Code Section R115 deems one- and two-family structures unsafe when they are unsanitary or deficient because of inadequate means of egress, inadequate light and ventilation, or fire hazard. Section 8.02.030 adopts specified portions of the 1997 Uniform Housing Code: only Chapters 4, 5, 6 and Sections 701.2 and 701.3.

Inspection access is set in Chapter 13.50. A code compliance officer can enter occupied premises at reasonable times when credentials are presented to the occupant or tenant and consent to enter is requested and granted by the occupant or tenant, or the landlord consents to entry for inspection purposes.