Santa Cruz, CA local landlord rules
State law also applies. See California landlord-tenant law.
Quick facts
| Topic | At a glance |
|---|---|
| Rental inspections | Owners must register rental units in the city's residential rental inspection program, with an annual registration fee and fees for repea… |
| Just-cause eviction | Santa Cruz extends the state's no-fault just-cause eviction protections (Civ. |
| Tenant relocation assistance | Owners must pay relocation assistance to tenants who have to vacate because of unsafe or hazardous conditions or illegal residential use,… |
| Interest on deposits | Landlords must pay interest on security deposits at no less than the rate the city council sets each year. |
| Required disclosures (mold, lead, radon, bedbug, asbestos, flood zone) | Owners must give tenants written notice 10 to 30 days before listing or offering residential rental property for sale. |
Details & sources
Rental inspections
Owners must register rental units in the city's residential rental inspection program, with an annual registration fee and fees for repeat reinspections. The code states: "Each owner or operator, on behalf of the owner, shall initially register for the residential rental dwelling unit inspection program on a form provided by the city’s planning and community development department" (§ 21.06.040).
Verified Source: Santa Cruz Municipal Code § 21.06.040 · last checked 2026-10-16
Back to quick facts ↑Just-cause eviction
Santa Cruz extends the state's no-fault just-cause eviction protections (Civ. Code § 1946.2) to Section 8 voucher tenants, whom the state law would otherwise exempt. The code states: "Notwithstanding the language of California Civil Code Section 1946.2 (e)(9), the no-fault just cause eviction protections of Section 1946.2 shall be applicable to tenants receiving subsidy through the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program or the Section 8 Project Based Voucher Program" (§ 21.07.010).
Verified Source: Santa Cruz Municipal Code § 21.07.010 · last checked 2026-10-16
Back to quick facts ↑Tenant relocation assistance
Owners must pay relocation assistance to tenants who have to vacate because of unsafe or hazardous conditions or illegal residential use, or who give notice to vacate after a large rent increase. The code states: "The owner of any structure rented for residential purposes shall provide relocation assistance and make relocations payment(s), as specified in Section 21.03.020 , to the tenant(s) that are required to vacate due to unsafe or hazardous living conditions; or due to illegal use of the structure as a residence; or after a tenant gives the owner notice of intent to vacate due to a large rent increase" (§ 21.03.030).
Verified Source: Santa Cruz Municipal Code § 21.03.030 · last checked 2026-10-16
Back to quick facts ↑Interest on deposits
Landlords must pay interest on security deposits at no less than the rate the city council sets each year. The code states: "A rental agreement may provide for a tenant’s interest at a percentage rate greater than that established by the city council resolution then in effect; however, under no circumstances shall a rental agreement provide for a tenant’s interest at a percentage rate less than that established by the city council resolution then in effect" (§ 21.02.010).
Verified Source: Santa Cruz Municipal Code § 21.02.010 · last checked 2026-10-16
Back to quick facts ↑Required disclosures (mold, lead, radon, bedbug, asbestos, flood zone)
Owners must give tenants written notice 10 to 30 days before listing or offering residential rental property for sale. The code states: "(a) Not less than ten days but no more than thirty days prior to entering into any written listing agreement for the sale of residential rental property or making any offer to sell the property, the owner shall provide the tenants written notice that the property is for sale" (§ 21.04.030).
Verified Source: Santa Cruz Municipal Code § 21.04.030 · last checked 2026-10-16
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