Renting in Richmond: the rules that apply

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

Richmond code Richmond's annual general adjustment for controlled rental units is 60% of the CPI increase or 3%, whichever is lower, never below 0%.

All 6 Richmond rules on rent increases, with the code text and the state law underneath →

Richmond code Richmond requires just cause, such as unpaid rent or a continuing material lease breach after written notice, for residential tenancies, with listed exceptions.

All 7 Richmond rules on eviction and just cause, with the code text and the state law underneath →

Richmond code In foreclosure-owned rentals not yet sold to a purchaser for value, Richmond requires 2 times the contract monthly rent plus $1,000 for qualifying evictions.

All 24 Richmond rules on relocation payments, with the code text and the state law underneath →

Richmond code Richmond landlords must give the city-prescribed written notice of tenant anti-harassment protections at the start of a tenancy and with any termination notice.

All 6 Richmond rules on notices, with the code text and the state law underneath →

CA state law Richmond 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 →

Richmond code 180 days prior to the alleged act of retaliation Assertion or exercise of foreclosure-eviction chapter rights or state or federal law rights

All 5 Richmond rules on retaliation, with the code text and the state law underneath →

Richmond code Richmond bans bad-faith harassment by landlords, such as cutting required services, abusing the right to enter, or refusing a lawful rent payment.

All 19 Richmond rules on harassment and lockouts, with the code text and the state law underneath →

CA state law Richmond 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 Richmond 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 →

Richmond code Richmond allows hosted home-shares of 1 or 2 bedrooms in Residential and Commercial Mixed-Use zones; ADUs and JADUs may not rent under 30 days.

All 6 Richmond rules on short-term rentals, with the code text →

Richmond code Mobile home parks are exempt. Rental units in buildings properly registered as vacant property are exempt; inspection is required before occupancy after written notice.

All 12 Richmond rules on rental registration and inspections, with the code text →