Fontana, CA Rental Property Rules: Rent Control (2026)
Rent control rules in Fontana, CA, also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances, limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.
Key Facts
- Local Ordinance
- None
- State Law
- AB 1482 (Civil Code 1946.2, 1947.12)
- Rent Cap
- 5% + CPI, max 10%
- Just Cause
- After 12 months tenancy
- Relocation
- 1 month rent for no-fault
Summary
Fontana has no local rent control but is subject to California AB 1482. The state law caps rent increases at 5 percent plus CPI (10 percent max) and requires just cause for long-term tenant evictions.
1946.2. (a) Notwithstanding any other law, after a tenant has continuously and lawfully occupied a residential real property for 12 months, the owner of the residential real property shall not terminate a tenancy without just cause, which shall be stated in the written notice to terminate tenancy. If any additional adult tenants are added to the lease before an existing tenant has continuously and lawfully occupied the residential real property for 24 months, then this subdivision shall only apply if either of the following are satisfied:
(1) All of the tenants have continuously and lawfully occupied the residential real property for 12 months or more.
(2) One or more tenants have continuously and lawfully occupied the residential real property for 24 months or more.
(f) An owner of residential real property subject to this section shall provide notice to the tenant as follows:
(3) The notification or lease provision shall be in no less than 12-point type, and shall include the following: “California law limits the amount your rent can be increased. See Section 1947.12 of the Civil Code for more information. California law also provides that after all of the tenants have continuously and lawfully occupied the property for 12 months or more or at least one of the tenants has continuously and lawfully occupied the property for 24 months or more, a landlord must provide a statement of cause in any notice to terminate a tenancy. See Section 1946.2 of the Civil Code for more information.”
Full Breakdown
Fontana has not adopted a local rent-control ordinance as some other California cities (Los Angeles, Oakland, San Francisco) have. State law, however, imposes significant rent limits. 12, caps annual rent increases for covered units at 5 percent plus the local Consumer Price Index, capped at a 10 percent overall ceiling, in any 12-month period. AB 1482 covers most multi-family rental housing in Fontana built more than 15 years ago (a rolling window), but exempts single-family homes owned by individual non-corporate landlords (if proper notice is given in the lease), newly constructed units (under 15 years old), and deed-restricted affordable housing.
Just-cause eviction protections under AB 1482 apply once a tenant has occupied for 12 months (24 months for co-tenants): landlords must have a statutory reason (nonpayment, breach of lease, nuisance, criminal activity, refusal to renew on similar terms) and for no-fault evictions (owner move-in, substantial remodel, withdrawal from market) must pay relocation assistance equal to one month's rent or waive the last month's rent. AB 1482 is enforceable through civil action; tenants can recover actual damages, three times rent overcharges for willful violations, and attorney fees. Fontana does not operate a rent board; disputes go to Superior Court or the state Attorney General.
Violations & Fines
Landlord violations of AB 1482 rent caps expose the landlord to damages, treble damages for willful violations, and attorney fees under Civil Code 1947.12. Unlawful eviction attempts can trigger civil damages and loss of statutory protections.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can my Fontana landlord raise rent each year?
Is a Fontana single-family rental subject to AB 1482?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fontana
California rules heatmap·Compare Fontana to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
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Rent Control in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle rent control.