Hayward, CA Rental Property Rules: Rental Registration (2026)

Under the Hayward Residential Rent Stabilization and Tenant Protection Ordinance, owners of covered residential rental units must register each unit annually with the City of Hayward Rent Review Program. Registration captures the unit address, owner and agent contact information, rent level, and tenancy start date. A per-unit rental housing fee is charged each fiscal year to fund the program; half may be passed through to tenants under rules set by the City. Registration must be renewed on time and kept current when tenancies change. Fully exempt properties such as single-family homes with eligible owners still may be required to submit an exemption declaration. Failure to register can bar the landlord from raising rent, from serving certain termination notices, and can result in administrative penalties. New owners must re-register upon acquisition. The registry works in parallel with state requirements and with the Alameda County Healthy Homes Department for habitability enforcement.