Rental Registration & Rent Stabilization

The Residential Rental Registration Ordinance requires all landlords to register their residential rental properties with the city. The registration process aids in maintaining accurate records of rental units and facilitates effective communication between the City of Salinas and the property owners. Landlords must provide essential information about their properties and pay an annual registration fee. 

To address housing affordability, the Rent Stabilization Ordinance limits the amount and frequency of rent increase for applicable rental units. It ensures that tenants are protected from excessive rent hikes while allowing landlords to receive fair return on their investments. The ordinance outlines specific guidelines for permissible rent adjustments and establishes a framework for resolving disputes.

The Just Cause Eviction and Tenant Protection Ordinance establishes clear criteria for lawful evictions, ensuring tenants are not unjustly displaced. It requires landlords to provide a valid reason, or "just cause," for terminating a tenancy, such as non-payment of rent or violation of lease terms. Additionally, the ordinance mandates relocation assistance for tenants facing no-fault evictions, offering further security and support.

The Tenant Anti-Harassment Protections Ordinance prohibits landlords from engaging in behaviors that harass or intimidate tenants. It defines specific actions considered as harassment, such as interrupting essential services, failing to perform necessary repairs, or attempting to coerce tenants into vacating their units. The ordinance provides penalties for non-compliance, thereby promoting a respectful and safe living environment for all residents.

Landlords may increase rent based on the lesser of 2.75% or 75% of the most-recent 12- month increase in the CPI-U.

Example of how to calculate using the option – the lesser of 75% of the most recent 12-month CPI-U increase:

1. Find CPI-U for current month (e.g., August 2025 = 344.096)
2. Find CPI-U for the same month one year earlier (e.g., August 2024= 333.442)
3. Calculate the 12-month increase: (344.1-333.4) / 333.4 x 100 = 3.2%
4. Apply 75%: 3.2% x 0.75 = 2.4%
5. Conclusion: in this example, the maximum allowable rent increase would be 2.4% because it’s lower than the fixed cap of 2.75%.

The applicable CPI-U is published monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and can be accessed at: https://data.bls.gov/pdq/SurveyOutputServlet?data_tool=dropmap&series_id=CUUR0400SA0,CUUS0400SA0

Access essential forms and notices for landlords and tenants, all in one place. Choose the document you need, click the link, download the document.

Notice to Tenants - On or before the beginning of tenancy, landlords are required to provide this notice to all tenants that reside in any residential rental units subject to the City of Salinas Rent Stabilization, Just Cause Eviction and Tenant Protection, and/or Tenant Anti-Harassment Protections Ordinances.

Notice to Post - Landlords should post this notice in all common areas to inform all tenants in any residential rental units subject to the City of Salinas Rent Stabilization, Just Cause Eviction and Tenant Protection, and/or Anti-Harassment Ordinances to inform tenants of their rights and responsibilities under City of Salinas ordinances. These postings should be highly visible in the common areas of the unit.

Rent Increase Notice - To comply with Salinas' rent stabilization regulations, landlords must provide tenants with official notices of any rent increases. These notices should detail the amount of the increase, the effective date, and any pertinent information as required by local ordinances. Providing clear and timely rent increase notices ensures transparency and legal compliance.

Landlord Petition Form - Landlords seeking exceptions or adjustments related to rent stabilization or property management can utilize the designated petition forms. These forms allow landlords to formally request considerations such as rent increases beyond standard limits or other modifications permitted under Salinas ordinances. Proper submission of these petitions is essential for legal processing and review.

Tenant Petition Form - Tenants should use this form if they wish to file a petition to decrease rent due to Unlawful Rent, Reduction in Housing Services, or Failure to Maintain Habitable Premises.

Response to Petition - Both landlords and tenants have the right to respond to petitions filed by the other party. This form provides the opportunity to submit a formal response, ensuring that all parties can present their perspectives and supporting documentation in accordance with City of Salinas.

For detailed information on each ordinance, please refer to the accordion tabs above, review the City of Salinas Municipal Code, or consult with a legal professional to ensure full compliance with local laws. 

Here you will find Frequently Asked Questions and Definitions relative to Rental Registration, Rent Stabilization, Just Cause Evictions and Tenant Protection, and Tenant Anti-Harassment Protections Ordinances.

This section is dedicated to providing comprehensive support and information for renters in the City of Salinas. Here, you'll find essential tools and guidance to help you navigate your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.

National Resources

Fair Housing Act: National protections from discrimination when renting or buying a home, getting a mortgage, seeking housing assistance, or engaging in other housing-related activities.

Statewide Resources

California Tenants - A Guide to Residential Tenants' and Landlords' Rights and Responsibilities: Published by the California Department of Consumer Affairs and the California Department of Real Estate, this guide covers topics such as rental agreements, security deposits, repairs, and evictions.

California Courts Self-Help Guide: Offers information on landlord - tenant issues, including eviction procedures and legal forms.

California Department of Justice - Landlord-Tenant Issues: Provides an overview of tenant rights, including protections against certain rent increases and evictions.

Tenants Together: A statewide organization that offers resources and support for tenants, including those in Salinas.

Local Resources in Salinas

City of Salinas Housing & Community Development: Offers information on local ordinances, tenant rights, and resources for both tenants and landlords.

65 West Alisal Street | Salinas, CA 93901

Phone: (831) 758-7334

211 Monterey County (United Way):  Provides referrals to tenant rights information and counseling services.

232 Monterey Street | Suite 200 | Salinas, CA 93901

Phone: (831) 372-8026

Eden Council for Hope and Opportunity: Provides support services to prevent homelessness and secure permanent housing to promote equity and opportunities for everyone.

570 Pacific Street | Monterey, CA 93940

Phone: (831) 566-0824

Alliance on Aging: Provides legal services to low-income individuals, including assistance with housing issues.

247 Main Street | Salinas, CA 93901

Phone: (831) 757-5221

Legal Assistance

California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. (CRLA): Provides legal services to low-income individuals, including assistance with housing issues.

3 Williams Street | Salinas, CA 93905

Phone: (831) 757-5221

Legal Services for Seniors: Offers legal assistance to seniors in Monterey County, including help with housing-related matters.

11 Thomas Owens Way | Suite 101 | Monterey, CA 93940

Phone: (831) 899-0492 

These resources can help tenants in California and Salinas stay informed about their rights and responsibilities, ensuring a fair and equitable rental experience.

Landlords in California, including the City of Salinas, can access a variety of resources to understand their rights and responsibilities.

Statewide Resources

California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA)

The DCA publishes the “California Tenants – A Guide to Residential Tenants’ and Landlords’ Rights and Responsibilities,” which includes information about lease agreements, security deposits, repairs, and more.

California Housing Laws and Regulations

Landlords can review California Civil Code Sections 1940-1954.05, which govern rental agreements, notices, and other landlord-tenant matters.

California Apartment Association (CAA)

Offers educational materials, legal forms, and workshops for landlords. Membership includes access to legal support.

Fair Housing Councils

Organizations like the Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California offer resources to ensure compliance with fair housing laws.

Local Resources in Salinas, CA

City of Salinas Housing & Community Development: Provides information on local ordinances such as rent stabilization, tenant anti-harassment protections, and the rental registration program.

65 West Alisal Street | Salinas, CA 93901

Phone: (831) 758-7334

Monterey County Housing Programs: Includes resources for landlords regarding tenant and housing stability.

1441 Schilling Place | 2nd Floor - South | Salinas, CA 93901

Phone: (831)755-5025

Eden Council for Hope and Opportunity: Provides support services to prevent homelessness and secure permanent housing to promote equity and opportunities for everyone.

570 Pacific Street | Monterey, CA 93940

Phone: (831) 566-0824

By using these resources, landlords can remain informed and compliant with state and local laws while fostering positive relationships with their tenants.