Laguna Beach · Renting & eviction
Renting in Laguna Beach: the rules that apply
Laguna Beach has no rent control of its own; state law caps rent and sets just cause for covered units, and the city adds filing rules for demolition or remodel evictions. The city also limits short-term rentals and sets condo conversion rules.
Key points
- Rent increases: Laguna Beach has no rent control; state law caps increases on covered units at 8.7% from August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027.
- Just cause: State law: after 12 months, a covered unit's tenancy ends only for a just cause; city rules add filing steps for demolition or remodel.
- Notices: City rule: file a demolition or substantial-remodel termination notice with the city within 3 calendar days of serving it; it becomes a public record.
- Relocation pay: State law: no-fault evictions of covered units pay 1 month's rent within 15 calendar days of the notice.
- Short-term rentals: City rule: no new short-term rentals in R-1, R-2, R-3, VC zones; earlier permitted units may continue, but lapse after 12 consecutive unused months.
- Condo conversions: City rule: conversions need 180 days' written notice before the tenancy ends; present tenants get a 60-day exclusive right to buy once sales begin.
Each rule below is marked Laguna Beach code or CA state law and links to the section it comes from (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.
Rent increases
CA state law Laguna Beach has no rule of its own on this, so California law applies. Rent cap right now: 8.7% for increases taking effect August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027 (5% plus 3.7% inflation) (Civ. Code § 1947.12(a)(1), (g)). California's statewide rent cap — the full state rule →
Eviction and just cause
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CA state law Underneath, California law still applies. Just cause required: After 12 months of lawful occupancy, the owner may terminate only for a just cause stated in the notice (Civ. Code § 1946.2(a)). Just-cause eviction in California — the full state rule →
Relocation payments
Laguna Beach code State law: no-fault evictions of covered units pay 1 month's rent within 15 calendar days of the notice.
All 7 Laguna Beach rules on relocation payments, with the code text and the state law underneath →
Notices
Laguna Beach code City rule: file a demolition or substantial-remodel termination notice with the city within 3 calendar days of serving it; it becomes a public record.
All 3 Laguna Beach rules on notices, with the code text and the state law underneath →
Security deposits
CA state law Laguna Beach 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 →
Retaliation
CA state law Laguna Beach 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 →
Harassment and lockouts
CA state law Laguna Beach has no rule of its own on this, so California law applies. Lockouts and self-help eviction banned: A landlord may not change locks, remove doors or windows, or remove the tenant's belongings to force a tenant out (Civ. Code § 789.3(b)). Utility shutoffs banned: A landlord may not cut off water, heat, electricity, gas or other utilities to force a tenant out (Civ. Code § 789.3(a)). Tenant harassment and lockouts in California — the full state rule →
Repairs and habitability
CA state law Laguna Beach 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 →
Landlord entry
CA state law Laguna Beach 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 →
Short-term rentals
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| Permit or registration |
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Condo conversions
Laguna Beach code City rule: conversions need 180 days' written notice before the tenancy ends; present tenants get a 60-day exclusive right to buy once sales begin.
All 5 Laguna Beach rules on condo conversions, with the code text →
Other Laguna Beach rules on this
Laguna Beach's code also has these chapters. We have not summarized their values on this page yet; read them in the library.
- Mobilehome Park Relocation Impact Report (§ 1.11.045) — mobilehome parks only
- Condominium Conversions (§ 25.47.100) — condominium conversions only
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
How much can rent go up in Laguna Beach?
Laguna Beach has no rent control; state law caps increases on covered units at 8.7% from August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027.
Does a landlord in Laguna Beach need a reason to evict?
State law: after 12 months, a covered unit's tenancy ends only for a just cause; city rules add filing steps for demolition or remodel.
How much can a Laguna Beach landlord charge for a security deposit?
Laguna Beach has no local rule on this that we found (checked October 2026); state law applies: One month's rent, on top of the first month's rent (Civ. Code § 1950.5(c)(1), (c)(6)).
Can I rent out my home short-term in Laguna Beach?
City rule: no new short-term rentals in R-1, R-2, R-3, VC zones; earlier permitted units may continue, but lapse after 12 consecutive unused months.
General information, not legal advice.
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