Every renter deserves a safe, stable home and that starts with knowing your rights as a renter and the resources available to you. Renters have protections under California law that everyone should be aware of, and there are services to help to navigate housing problems. Please learn more with the information below:
Know Your Rights
Click the link below to learn more about landlord-tenant protections:
California Attorney General Landlord-Tenant Issues
You Have Rights and Legal Protections:
Rent Increase Notices
- If your rent is increasing 10% or less, your landlord must give you at least 30 days' written notice.
- If the increase is over 10%, you must receive at least 90 days' written notice.
- For section 8 tenants, landlords must provide 60 days' notice to both the tenant and Housing Authority.
Eviction Protection (AB 1482 — Tenant Protection Act of 2019)
- Covers most tenants in buildings over 15 years old.
- Limits rent increases to 5% + CPI (typically capped at around 8–10%) per year.
- Prohibits eviction without "just cause" (e.g., non-payment of rent, illegal activity).
Safe & Habitable Homes
- Landlords are legally required to maintain properties in a safe, livable condition. This includes working plumbing and heating.
- Safe electrical systems.
- No leaks, mold, or pest infestations.
Return of Security Deposits
- Landlords must return your security deposit within 21 days after you move out.
- Deductions must be itemized and legally justified (e.g., cleaning, damage).
Know Your Resources
Renter Helpful Links
Visit Salinas Chamber of Commerce
Renters Rights and Protections Resources Page
Visit Tenant-Landlord Coalition (TLC)
How Rental Restrictions Hurt Renters – Protect freedoms for renters and owners.
Every renter deserves a safe, stable home and that starts with knowing your rights as a renter and the resources available to you. Renters have protections under California law that everyone should be aware of, and there are services to help to navigate housing problems. Please learn more with the information below:
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Click the link below to learn more about landlord-tenant protections:
California Attorney General Landlord-Tenant Issues
Even Without Rent Stabilization, Salinas Renters Are Not Alone
You have rights, resources, and real support — and they’re growing.
YOU HAVE RIGHTS AND LEGAL PROTECTIONS:
Rent Increase Notices
- If your rent is increasing 10% or less, your landlord must give you at least 30 days' written notice.
- If the increase is over 10%, you must receive at least 90 days' written notice.
- For section 8 tenants, landlords must provide 60 days' notice to both the tenant and Housing Authority.
Learn More: California Civil Code § 827
Eviction Protection (AB 1482 - Tenant Protection Act of 2019)
- Covers most tenants in buildings over 15 years old.
- Limits rent increases to 5% + CPI (typically capped at around 8-10%) per year.
- Prohibits eviction without "just cause" (e.g., non-payment of rent, illegal activity).
Full details here: AB 1482 Fact Sheet (Tenants Together)
Safe & Habitable Homes
Landlords are legally required to maintain properties in a safe, livable condition. This includes:
- Working plumbing and heating
- Safe electrical systems
- No leaks, mold, or pest infestations
Report code violations to City of Salinas:
(831) 758-7368 Or file online at: CityofSalinas.org
Return of Security Deposits
- Landlords must return your security deposit within 21 days after you move out.
- Deductions must be itemized and legally justified (e.g., cleaning, damage).
Know your rights:
oag.ca.gov/consumers/general/landlord-tenant-issues#deposits
KNOW YOUR RESOURCES
Tenant Landlord Coalition
tlc-monterey.org
City of Salinas Housing Division
(831) 758-7368
cityofsalinas.org
Monterey County Housing Authority
(831) 775-5000
hamonterey.org
Center for Community Advocacy
(831) 753-2324
info@cca-viva.org
Tenant Landlord Coalition
tlc-monterey.org
City of Salinas Housing Division
(831) 758-7368
cityofsalinas.org
Monterey County Housing Authority
(831) 775-5000
hamonterey.org
Center for Community Advocacy
(831) 753-2324
info@cca-viva.org
ECHO
(626) 788-2711
echo-housing.org
CRLA
(800) 337-0690
crla.org
Legal Services for Seniors
(831) 899-0492
lssmc.net
211 Monterey
(831) 566-0824
211monterey.org