Novato, CA Rental Property Rules: Rent Control (2026)

The Novato City Council adopted Chapter XX, titled Rent Control, Mobilehomes. Section 20-2(a) states that the chapter applies only to mobilehome parks that contain mobilehome spaces as defined in Section 20-1 and to the mobilehomes within those parks. Section 20-2(b) bars any rent increase on a space except as the chapter or applicable law authorizes.

Section 20-4 sets the base rent: an owner shall not demand, accept or retain rent for a space exceeding the rent in effect on January 1, 1996. Section 20-5 then sets the yearly adjustment. Each January 1 from 2004, an owner can raise rent by 100 percent of the CPI increase for the San Francisco/Oakland area, measured over the 12 months before the preceding September 1, or four percent, whichever is lower. The same section requires a decrease by 100 percent of any CPI decline. The City calculates the figure and notices tenants and owners, and an owner who fails to notice an increase on time waives it for that year. Under Section 20-6, the owner posts the calculation in the park manager's office and sends a copy to the City, signed under penalty of perjury.

Section 20-8 bars an increase because of a change in occupancy, including a sale of the mobilehome, but lets the owner set a new base rent on a lawful space vacancy. Section 20-9 offers two individual routes. A fair return petition is limited to one per calendar year absent exceptional circumstances and is filed within six months after the end of the petition year. Alternatively, a majority of affected tenants can consent in writing within 21 days after notice of a proposed increase. A City-appointed hearing officer decides petitions, with a written decision due within 120 days after the City finds the petition complete. Either side can request a rehearing within 30 days of the mailed decision (Section 20-10).

Exemptions in Section 20-2 cover newly constructed spaces first held out for rent after January 1, 1990, spaces under qualifying long-term rental agreements, and rent for subletting a mobilehome. Section 20-17A addresses rent reductions for service reductions occurring since January 1, 2024. Section 20-23 sets a sunset clause that renews the chapter for successive three year periods unless the Council adopts a repealing ordinance.