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

Highland Municipal Code § 15.52.040 is the registration rule. No person shall occupy, allow to be occupied or let to another person for occupancy any residential rental unit within the city for which a completed application has not been properly filed with the code enforcement division. The application uses forms furnished by the finance department and must be filed within 30 calendar days following the date the city sends notice that an application is due, or the date the unit is occupied, whichever is earlier.

The application must give the owner's name, address and phone number; the name, address and phone number of the designated local property manager if the owner lives outside the city; the street address of the unit; the number and types of units, such as dwelling units or sleeping rooms; and a completed self-certification checklist under HMC § 15.52.080. An application fee, set by city council resolution, is paid when the application is filed (§ 15.52.050).

Registration leads to a business license certificate. Section 15.52.090 bars anyone from occupying, renting or letting a covered unit without a valid, current certificate, and the certificate expires one year from issuance. Renewal takes an annual fee, and a new application with a new self-certification form is due if any application information changes (§ 15.52.100). A new owner has 30 days after a change or transfer of ownership to file a new application (§ 15.52.060), and an owner who stops renting must notify the city in writing within 30 days (§ 15.52.130).

Separately, § 5.34.010 says no person shall operate a rooming house, boardinghouse, apartment house, private guest ranch, multiple-family rental accommodations for dwelling, or other property rental business without first obtaining a valid city business license. Owner-occupied units, granny flats and the other categories in § 15.52.020 are exempt from Chapter 15.52.