Fresno, CA Rental Property Rules: Rental Registration (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- FMC Chapter 10, Article 11
- Registration Fee
- No fee to register
- Deadline
- Within 30 days of initial notice
- Updates Required
- Upon change of ownership or contact info
- Enforcement
- City Attorney's Rental Housing Division
Summary
Fresno requires all residential rental properties to be registered with the City under the Rental Housing Improvement Act (FMC Chapter 10, Article 11). Registration must be completed within 30 days of receiving initial notice. The program was established to address substandard rental housing conditions and promote compliance with health and safety standards. There is no fee to register, but failure to register results in penalties.
1947.12. (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.
Full Breakdown
The Rental Housing Division under the City Attorney's Office manages the registration program. Property owners must update registration whenever there is a change of ownership or contact information. Registered properties are subject to proactive inspections to verify compliance with health and safety codes including proper plumbing, electrical, structural integrity, and habitability standards. The program targets substandard conditions that threaten occupant safety and neighborhood quality. Properties with code violations receive notice and a correction period before enforcement escalates.
Violations & Fines
Failure to register a rental property results in penalties. Properties with health and safety violations face administrative citations, and chronic offenders may face enhanced enforcement including receivership proceedings for severely substandard properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register my rental property in Fresno?
Will my rental property be inspected?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fresno
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Rental Registration in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fresno County handle rental registration.