San Leandro · Renting & eviction
Renting in San Leandro: the rules that apply
San Leandro adds an upcoming rent limit for registered units, relocation pay, rent review and a ban on non-hosted short-term rentals. It has no just-cause eviction rule of its own; state law applies to covered units.
Key points
- City rent limit: From January 1, 2027, city cap for registered units: 65% of the yearly CPI change or 3%, whichever is less.
- State cap: State law caps covered units at 8.8% for increases from August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027.
- Just cause: No city rule; state law requires a just cause after 12 months of lawful occupancy, for covered units only.
- Relocation pay: For landlord-caused move-outs, the city requires 3 times HUD Fair Market Rent or 3 times monthly rent, whichever is greater, up to $7,000 total.
- Notice to move: City law requires at least 90 days' notice for a landlord-caused move-out, with notice of the right to relocation assistance.
- Short-term rentals: Non-hosted short-term rentals are prohibited citywide; the hotel tax is 14% of the rent charged by the operator.
Each rule below is marked San Leandro code or CA state law and links to the section it comes from (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.
Rent increases
San Leandro code From January 1, 2027, city cap for registered units: 65% of the yearly CPI change or 3%, whichever is less. State law caps covered units at 8.8% for increases from August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027.
All 6 San Leandro rules on rent increases, with the code text and the state law underneath →
Eviction and just cause
CA state law San Leandro has no rule of its own on this, so California law 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
San Leandro code For landlord-caused move-outs, the city requires 3 times HUD Fair Market Rent or 3 times monthly rent, whichever is greater, up to $7,000 total.
All 7 San Leandro rules on relocation payments, with the code text and the state law underneath →
Notices
San Leandro code City law requires at least 90 days' notice for a landlord-caused move-out, with notice of the right to relocation assistance.
All 5 San Leandro rules on notices, with the code text and the state law underneath →
Security deposits
CA state law San Leandro 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
San Leandro code Asserting or using rights under the City's rent limit rules. Using rights under the City's relocation assistance rules.
All 7 San Leandro rules on retaliation, with the code text and the state law underneath →
Harassment and lockouts
CA state law San Leandro 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
San Leandro code The housing, health and safety codes that apply. Cutting housing services without lowering the rent counts as a rent increase.
Landlord entry
CA state law San Leandro 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 →
Buyout agreements
San Leandro code Yes. Before offering a buyout, the landlord gives a written disclosure on the Program Administrator's form. Yes, within 3 calendar days after everyone has signed.
All 4 San Leandro rules on buyout agreements, with the code text →
Short-term rentals
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Hotel and short-term rental tax
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Condo conversions
San Leandro code Moving expenses equal to 3 times the monthly rent, paid by the subdivider. Relocation help, including quarterly lists of nearby comparable rentals, for at least 4 months after tentative map approval.
All 9 San Leandro rules on condo conversions, with the code text →
Mobilehome park rent
San Leandro code The lesser of CPI or 4% of the rent charged for the space in the preceding year. Spaces under a lease that exempts the space from rent regulation under the Mobilehome Residency Law are exempt.
All 12 San Leandro rules on mobilehome park rent, with the code text →
Rental registration and inspections
San Leandro code Exempt: rental units with rents subsidized or regulated by federal law or specified government regulatory agreements. Exempt: rental units owned by any public agency.
All 14 San Leandro rules on rental registration and inspections, with the code text →
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Does a landlord in San Leandro need a reason to evict?
No city rule; state law requires a just cause after 12 months of lawful occupancy, for covered units only.
How much can a San Leandro landlord charge for a security deposit?
San Leandro 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 San Leandro?
Non-hosted short-term rentals are prohibited citywide; the hotel tax is 14% of the rent charged by the operator.
What is the hotel tax on short-term rentals in San Leandro?
San Leandro's code: 14% of the rent charged by the operator. (§ 2-10-110); Each operator collects the tax from every guest at the same time as the rent. (§ 2-10-120).
General information, not legal advice.
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