Confused about which rent rules actually apply on your street in Santa Clarita? You are not alone. Between state law, Los Angeles County rules, and the City’s own code for mobilehome parks, the answer can change by jurisdiction and by property type. This guide breaks it down simply so you can confirm what applies to your home, your lease, or your investment. Let’s dive in.
What rent rules apply here?
Most conventional rentals inside the City of Santa Clarita follow California’s Tenant Protection Act, known as AB 1482. It caps many rent increases and sets just‑cause eviction standards statewide. You can review an accessible overview of the law in this AB 1482 guide or the statutory text.
Los Angeles County’s Rent Stabilization and Tenant Protections Ordinance applies only in unincorporated areas, not inside incorporated cities like Santa Clarita. If a property sits in unincorporated LA County within the Santa Clarita Valley, County caps, eviction protections, and the mandatory rent registry may apply. Learn more on the County RSTPO page.
The City of Santa Clarita does not have a citywide rent control program for typical apartments. The City does regulate manufactured or mobilehome parks through municipal code chapters that set space‑rent adjustment procedures and change‑in‑use protections. See Santa Clarita Municipal Code Chapter 6.02 for details.
AB 1482 basics for Santa Clarita
How the rent cap works
For covered units, AB 1482 limits annual increases to 5% plus the applicable regional CPI, capped at 10%. The specific CPI figure updates yearly and controls allowable increases for the defined period. The cap applies to increases during an existing tenancy, not to the initial rent for a vacant unit.
Just‑cause eviction rules
AB 1482 requires qualifying terminations to meet at‑fault or no‑fault reasons listed in the statute. Landlords must also provide required notices and follow timing rules. You can confirm the categories and notice language in the state’s AB 1482 overview.
Common exemptions to know
Some rentals are exempt, including many single‑family homes and condos if the owner is not a corporation, certain trusts or LLCs with corporate members, and if the owner has given the required exemption notice. Other exemptions include certain owner‑occupied small properties and units covered by a stronger local ordinance. See the AB 1482 text for criteria.
LA County rules in unincorporated SCV
Who is covered
The County’s RSTPO covers eligible rentals located in unincorporated Los Angeles County. Covered owners must register in the County Rent Registry, and rent increases must follow County formulas. Get program details on the RSTPO page.
Allowable increases for 2025
For 2025, the County limited annual increases for many fully covered units to 60% of the prior 12‑month CPI change, not to exceed 3%. A small‑owner exception allows an additional 1% for many small properties, up to 4%. Because these figures can change, confirm current limits with the County each year on the RSTPO page.
How to confirm coverage
Use the County’s tools to check if an address is in unincorporated territory and whether it must be registered. Start with the Rent Registry portal.
City of Santa Clarita specifics
The City does not have a general apartment rent control ordinance. Apartments and most standard rentals in the City are governed by AB 1482 and general landlord‑tenant law unless a different, stronger rule applies.
Mobilehome and manufactured‑home park spaces are different. The City code sets a formal process for space‑rent adjustments and protections for changes in use. Review Chapter 6.02 on rent adjustments. The City also publishes local housing resources and contacts on its affordable rental housing page.
Quick checklist: Which rule applies to your address?
- Identify your jurisdiction. Is the property inside the City of Santa Clarita or in unincorporated LA County? If unincorporated, County rules may apply. Check using the County’s Rent Registry.
- If inside the City, determine your property type. For apartments and most standard rentals, AB 1482 is the baseline unless an exemption applies. For manufactured or mobilehome spaces, review the City’s code.
- If in unincorporated County areas, confirm RSTPO coverage, current allowable increase, and registration status through the County registry.
- For any rent increase or termination notice, verify that required AB 1482 or County disclosures and timelines are included. Missing or incorrect notices can affect enforcement.
What landlords can and cannot do right now
- Set the initial rent for a new tenancy. AB 1482 does not cap initial rents, it caps increases during an ongoing tenancy. See this plain‑language explainer on initial rent and AB 1482.
- Increase rent within the cap. For covered City properties, the cap is 5% + CPI, up to 10%, based on the published annual CPI period. For covered unincorporated County properties, follow the County’s posted cap and registration rules on the RSTPO page.
- Provide proper notices. AB 1482 and the County require specific disclosure language and timing. Review the AB 1482 overview and the County’s program page.
- Use just‑cause reasons for most terminations. Confirm categories and any relocation assistance requirements with the AB 1482 guide and the County program if applicable.
If you think your rights were violated
- Gather paperwork. Save your lease, payment records, and any increase or termination notices, including any AB 1482 or County disclosures.
- Verify coverage. Check jurisdiction and unit type, then confirm allowable increases or just‑cause rules with the County Rent Registry.
- Contact local agencies. For unincorporated areas, use the County hotline and contact page at DCBA. For City resources, see Santa Clarita’s affordable rental housing page.
- Seek legal help if needed. Tenant legal‑aid organizations and resource hubs can help you evaluate options. Start with this directory of tenant protection resources.
If you want a straightforward read on how these rules affect your lease terms, your next increase, or a planned purchase, reach out to Nadia Arreola. You will get practical, local guidance backed by hands‑on property‑management experience.
FAQs
What rent cap applies to apartments inside the City of Santa Clarita?
- Most covered rentals in the City follow AB 1482, which limits annual increases to 5% plus CPI, capped at 10%, unless an exemption applies.
How do I check if my address is in unincorporated Los Angeles County?
- Use the County’s tools in the Rent Registry portal to look up your address and confirm jurisdiction and registration requirements.
Are single‑family homes in Santa Clarita exempt from AB 1482?
- Many are exempt if owned by eligible non‑corporate owners and if the required exemption notice was provided; see AB 1482 criteria for details.
Does AB 1482 cap the initial rent for a new tenant in Santa Clarita?
- No, AB 1482 applies to increases during an ongoing tenancy, not to the first rent set for a vacant unit.
What protections exist for mobilehome park residents within Santa Clarita city limits?
- The City’s municipal code provides space‑rent adjustment procedures and change‑in‑use protections specific to manufactured or mobilehome parks, separate from standard apartment rules.
