FAQ Topic: Housing

Rules Regarding Rent Increases

The City’s Ordinance does not address rental increases. However, the California Tenant Protection Act (TPA) does limit rent increases. Under the TPA, annual rent increases are limited to 5% plus a cost of living adjustment or 10%, whichever is less. This CA guide for tenants and landlords includes all state rules describing these limits. The … Continued

Special Rights Afforded to Tenants

The City of Petaluma’s tenant protection ordinance authorizes tenants to bring civil actions to determine the applicability of the Ordinance to their tenancy. If the tenants prevail in a wrongful eviction action, they may recover their attorneys’ fees from the owner.

What Steps Are Required to Terminate a Tenancy?

Provide Tenants with a Notice of Termination: ENGLISH  |  ESPAÑOL Landlord must provide this notice to the tenant(s) in the language used to negotiate the lease.    The Notice of Termination must be provided to the tenant(s) in advance of the proposed move out date.  The timing of the notice is in accordance with the Civil … Continued

Notice of Tenant Rights and When Is It Required?

NOTICE OF TENANT RIGHTS – ENGLISH  |  ESPAÑOL Landlords must notify their tenants about their rights when: Entering, or changing, a lease Raising the rent Before and after the sale or acquisition of a unit If the City updates applicable laws – Subscribe Here to be notified.

When Can a Landlord Terminate a Tenancy?

“At-fault” reasons to terminate a tenancy include when a tenant:  Fails to pay rent  Breaches rental agreement  Tenant commits illegal activity Unlawful use of premises Tenant is maintaining the unit as a nuisance Commits waste of the unit Refuses to enter a substantially similar new lease Sublets in violation of the lease Fails to vacate … Continued

When does the Ordinance apply?

The Ordinance applies on the first day of tenancy. Exceptions The following situations are not subject to the Petaluma rules: Transient and tourist occupancies Housing accommodations in a nonprofit hospital, religious facility, extended care facility, licensed residential care facility for the elderly. Dormitories owned and operated by a school. Small Property Owners – Small Property Owners are: Owners … Continued

How do I apply for Section 8 vouchers?

Sonoma County Housing Authority manages the Section 8 voucher program for all of Sonoma County, including Petaluma.  Please call (707) 565-7500 or visit their website.

How do I find out if there are any affordable housing vacancies in Petaluma?

You need to call each of the affordable housing developments in Petaluma to learn if there are vacancies. Refer to the list of affordable housing developments for contact information.  Be sure to check eligibility requirements and consider putting your name on a waiting list if there are no vacancies currently.

How do I get help if I am homeless?

Contact the Committee on the Shelterless (COTS), at 707-765-6530 or [email protected].  COTS manages Petaluma’s two homeless shelters (the adults-only Mary Isaak Center and the Family Shelter) and can refer you to an array of services, including housing.   Another resource is the County’s Coordinated Entry System, which matches people experiencing homelessness with available housing and … Continued

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