Sonora, CA Rental Property Rules: Rent Control (2026)
Rent control rules in Sonora, 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 beyond state law
- State Cap
- 5% + CPI or 10% max
- State Law
- AB 1482 Tenant Protection Act
- Notice Required
- 30 days (<10%), 90 days (10%+)
Summary
Sonora does not have a local rent control ordinance. California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) applies statewide, limiting annual rent increases to 5% plus local CPI or 10%, whichever is lower, for qualifying rental properties built before a specified date.
(a) (1) Subject to subdivision (b), an owner of residential real property shall not, over the course of any 12-month period, increase the gross rental rate for a dwelling or a unit more than 5 percent plus the percentage change in the cost of living, or 10 percent, whichever is lower, of the lowest gross rental rate charged for that dwelling or unit at any time during the 12 months prior to the effective date of the increase. In determining the lowest gross rental amount pursuant to this section, any rent discounts, incentives, concessions, or credits offered by the owner of such unit of residential real property and accepted by the tenant shall be excluded. The gross per-month rental rate and any owner-offered discounts, incentives, concessions, or credits shall be separately listed and identified in the lease or rental agreement or any amendments to an existing lease or rental agreement.
(2) 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.
Full Breakdown
Sonora has no local rent control beyond California's statewide Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482, effective January 2020). AB 1482 limits annual rent increases to 5% plus local Consumer Price Index or 10%, whichever is lower, for qualifying properties. Exempt properties include single-family homes not owned by corporations, duplexes where the owner lives in one unit, and housing built within the last 15 years. Sonora's small rental market consists primarily of single-family homes, apartments, and some historic downtown units. Mobile home park spaces have separate protections under California's Mobilehome Residency Law. Landlords must provide 30-day notice for rent increases under 10% and 90-day notice for increases of 10% or more.
Violations & Fines
Rent increases exceeding AB 1482 limits are void and tenants may recover excess rent paid. Landlords violating the Tenant Protection Act face penalties of up to three times the unlawful rent increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Sonora have rent control?
What properties are exempt from California rent caps in Sonora?
How much notice must a Sonora landlord give for a rent increase?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sonora
California rules heatmap·Compare Sonora to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
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Rent Control in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Tuolumne County handle rent control.