Renting in Emeryville: the rules that apply

Each rule below is marked Emeryville code or CA state law and links to the section it comes from (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

CA state law Emeryville has no rule of its own on this, so California law applies. Rent cap right now: 8.8% for increases taking effect August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027 (5% plus 3.8% inflation) (Civ. Code § 1947.12(a)(1), (g)). California's statewide rent cap — the full state rule →

Emeryville code City law lists just causes for eviction, including unpaid rent, lease breach, move-in by the landlord or a parent or child, and demolition.

All 8 Emeryville rules on eviction and just cause, with the code text and the state law underneath →

Emeryville code City law: for no-fault terminations, large landlords pay 5 times HUD fair market rent or 4 times monthly rent, whichever is greater.

All 5 Emeryville rules on relocation payments, with the code text and the state law underneath →

Emeryville code City law: termination notices must state the reason, tenant rights and rents charged; a copy goes to the City Clerk within 10 days.

All 4 Emeryville rules on notices, with the code text and the state law underneath →

CA state law Emeryville has no rule of its own on this, so California law applies. Security deposit cap: One month's rent, on top of the first month's rent (Civ. Code § 1950.5(c)(1), (c)(6)). Deposit return deadline: 21 calendar days after the tenant moves out, with an itemized statement of any deductions (Civ. Code § 1950.5(h)(1)). California security deposit law — the full state rule →

CA state law Emeryville has no rule of its own on this, so California law applies. Retaliation protection period: For 180 days after a tenant complains about habitability (to the landlord or an agency), the landlord may not evict, raise rent or cut services in retaliation (Civ. Code § 1942.5(a), (b)). Retaliatory eviction in California — the full state rule →

Emeryville code City law bans bad-faith harassment, such as cutting services, abusing entry, or offering payment to move out more than once every 6 months.

All 15 Emeryville rules on harassment and lockouts, with the code text and the state law underneath →

CA state law Emeryville has no rule of its own on this, so California law applies. Duty to keep the unit habitable: The landlord must deliver a unit fit to live in and repair conditions that make it untenantable (Civ. Code § 1941). Repair and deduct: A tenant may make a repair the landlord neglects and deduct the cost from rent, up to one month's rent, no more than twice in any 12 months (Civ. Code § 1942(a)). Habitability and repair-and-deduct — the full state rule →

CA state law Emeryville has no rule of its own on this, so California law applies. Landlord entry notice: Reasonable written notice, presumed to be 24 hours, and entry only during normal business hours (Civ. Code § 1954(d)(1), (e)). Landlord entry notice in California — the full state rule →

Emeryville code City law: short-term rentals need a permit and are allowed only in a single-unit detached house that is the permit holder's primary residence.

All 4 Emeryville rules on short-term rentals, with the code text →

Emeryville code 3 months of Alameda County fair market rent for a comparable unit, or of current rent, whichever is larger. At least 60 days before a tentative map or parcel map is filed.

All 7 Emeryville rules on condo conversions, with the code text →