Santa Cruz County, CA Rental Property Rules: Rent Control (2026)
Rent control rules in Santa Cruz County, CA, also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances, limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.
Key Facts
- Local Rent Control
- None
- Statewide Cap
- AB 1482 / Civ Code 1947.12
- Annual Limit
- 5% + CPI (max 10%)
- Age Threshold
- Property 15+ years old
- Vacancy Decontrol
- Allowed
Summary
Unincorporated Santa Cruz County has no local rent-control ordinance. The City of Santa Cruz rejected Measure M (a comprehensive rent-control measure) in November 2018. The only applicable rent cap is statewide AB 1482 (Cal. Civ Code 1947.12): 5% + regional CPI annually, maximum 10%, for most non-exempt rentals more than 15 years old.
If the same tenant remains in occupancy of a unit of residential real property over any 12-month period, the gross rental rate for the unit of residential real property shall not be increased in more than two increments over that 12-month period, subject to the other restrictions of this subdivision governing gross rental rate increase. (b) For a new tenancy in which no tenant from the prior tenancy remains in lawful possession of the residential real property, the owner may establish the initial rental rate not subject to subdivision (a). Subdivision (a) is only applicable to subsequent increases after that initial rental rate has been established.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Despite multiple efforts, neither unincorporated Santa Cruz County nor any of the four incorporated cities currently has a permanent local rent-control ordinance. In November 2018, City of Santa Cruz voters rejected Measure M, which would have established a Rent Board and capped annual increases at the CPI. The County and the cities therefore rely on the statewide Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482, Cal. 12). AB 1482 caps annual rent increases at 5% plus the change in the regional Consumer Price Index, with an absolute maximum of 10%, for rentals more than 15 years old (a rolling 15-year exemption).
Exemptions include single-family homes and condos owned by non-corporate landlords (with proper written notice in the lease), new construction under 15 years, owner-occupied duplexes, and deed-restricted affordable housing. Vacancy decontrol is allowed - the cap resets when a tenancy ends voluntarily or for cause. Owner-paid utilities, parking, and amenities cannot be unbundled to circumvent the cap. The County's high housing costs and the post-CZU fire housing shortage continue to drive renewed local discussion of rent stabilization.
Violations & Fines
Rent overcharges beyond the AB 1482 cap entitle the tenant to a refund and may be raised as a defense to unlawful detainer. Civ Code 1947.12 does not by itself create a punitive damages claim, but combined with bad-faith eviction may trigger tenant claims for damages and attorneys' fees under related provisions. Local Code Compliance does not enforce rent caps - tenants must sue or use small claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there rent control in Santa Cruz County?
Can my landlord raise rent more than 10% per year?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Cruz County
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Cruz County to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
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