Rent control rules in Riverside County, CA — also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances — limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.
Unincorporated Riverside County has no local rent-control ordinance. California AB 1482, the Tenant Protection Act of 2019, applies statewide and caps annual rent increases on qualifying units at 5 percent plus regional CPI (capped at 10 percent total) for rental units more than 15 years old that are not single-family homes owned by non-corporate landlords.
AB 1482 (Civil Code sections 1946.2 and 1947.12) is the only rent-cap law in force in unincorporated Riverside County. It covers most multifamily units built 15 or more years ago, and excludes single-family homes and condominiums owned by individuals (provided proper written notice of exemption was given), newer construction within the 15-year rolling window, deed-restricted affordable housing, and duplexes where the owner occupies one unit. For 2024-2025 the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario CPI adjustment produced a maximum allowable annual increase around 8.8 percent; the combined cap is always 10 percent. Only two rent increases are allowed in any 12-month period. Banking of unused increases is not allowed. Local ordinances in the incorporated cities of Riverside County (such as Riverside and Palm Springs) may impose additional protections, but the unincorporated areas rely solely on state law. Enforcement is through private civil action; tenants can recover damages, attorney fees, and up to three times actual damages if the landlord acted willfully. The California Civil Rights Department provides guidance and mediation resources.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Riverside County code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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