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
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.
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 – 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.
“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
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
Petaluma has a smoking ordinance that restricts smoking in multi-tenant dwellings as well as public spaces. Refer to the Municipal Code Section 8.20 for details. To file a smoking-related complaint, please contact the City Clerk’s office in person or by postal mail (11 English Street, Petaluma, CA, 94952) or by email ([email protected]).
No, Petaluma does not have a rent control ordinance. However, we do have a rent stabilization ordinance that covers mobile home parks. Contact the City’s Housing Manager, Karen Shimuzu, (707.778.4555) if you have a mobile home rent question.
Contact the Fair Housing Program at Petaluma People Services Center (PPSC) by phone (707) 765-8488, email ([email protected]), or in person at 1500A Petaluma Blvd S. More info is available at PPSC’s website, petalumapeople.org. Note: the City does not provide legal advice about housing issues.