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

Temecula does not have a residential rental registration ordinance — owners of long-term residential rentals (30+ days) are not required to register their units with a special rental program. However, all persons engaged in business in Temecula, including landlords, must obtain a City Business License under TMC Chapter 5.04. The license fee is modest (currently around $40-$100/year depending on rental count) and must be renewed annually. Landlords must report gross rental receipts. Short-term rentals under 30 days are entirely prohibited in residential zones under TMC Chapter 5.22 — enforcement is active and fines escalate from $1,000 to $5,000 per violation. Multi-family rental properties (typically 16+ units) with elevated wood balconies, stairways, walkways, or decks must comply with SB 721 (Health & Safety Code §17973), requiring inspection by a licensed professional every 6 years (initial inspection deadline was January 1, 2025, with reports retained for 2 cycles). SB 326 imposes similar requirements on condominiums (HOA responsibility). Mobile home parks operate under separate state and local licensing. Section 8 / Housing Choice Voucher landlords must comply with HUD inspection standards. Federal Fair Housing Act and California Fair Employment and Housing Act prohibit discrimination by source of income — landlords cannot refuse Section 8 voucher holders solely because of voucher use (Government Code §12955). Report unsafe rental conditions to Code Enforcement; tenants have repair-and-deduct rights under Civil Code §1942.