Pomona rent control is real, and it now covers both rent increases and evictions for many renters in the city. Under the updated pomona rent control ordinance, most covered units can get a rent increase of no more than 5% per year, starting January 1, 2026.
- September 29, 2026 — City Rent Control / Tenant Ordinance: Pomona’s rent control law, which took effect January 1, 2026, ends on December 31, 2026 unless the City Council passes a resolution by that date setting aside money to keep the program going. (source) (effective 2026-01-01)
- September 29, 2026 — City Rent Control / Tenant Ordinance: Since January 1, 2026, a Pomona landlord who says your unit is exempt from rent control has to file a Notice of Exemption with the City, and if they don’t file, your unit can be treated as covered by the 5% rent cap and eviction protections. (source) (effective 2026-01-01)
- September 29, 2026 — City Rent Control / Tenant Ordinance: Since January 1, 2026, Pomona’s Rent Stabilization Program has handled petitions: tenants can file a Petition of Noncompliance to challenge an illegal rent increase or other violation, and landlords can file a Fair Return or Capital Improvement Petition to ask for a raise above the cap, and you can reach the program at [email protected] or (909) 620-3777. (source) (effective 2026-01-01)
Is Your Unit Covered by Pomona Rent Control?
Pomona’s rules come from the Rent Stabilization and Eviction Control Ordinance, Ordinance No. 4359. The City Council approved it on November 17, 2025, and it took effect on January 1, 2026. The Rent Stabilization Program runs it. The program is part of the Neighborhood Services Department.
Not every rental is covered by pomona rent control. The ordinance exempts units that are exempt under state or federal law. That includes the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act and the California Tenant Protection Act. In most cases, Costa-Hawkins exempts single-family homes, condos, and newer buildings from local rent caps. However, the exact year-built cutoff for your building should be confirmed with the Rent Stabilization Program.
The easiest way to check a specific address is to email the program. Give them your address and unit number, and ask whether your unit is covered. You can also visit the city’s Rent Stabilization page for forms and updates.
| Rule | What it says | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| Annual rent cap | 5% per year, effective January 1, 2026 | Ordinance No. 4359 |
| How often rent can go up | Only once in any 12-month period | Ordinance No. 4359 |
| Exempt units | Units exempt under Costa-Hawkins, the Tenant Protection Act, or other state or federal law | Ordinance No. 4359 |
| Reason needed to evict | Landlord must have an At-Fault or No-Fault reason | Ordinance No. 4359 |
| No-fault evictions | Landlord must pay relocation assistance | Ordinance No. 4359 |
| Disputes | Tenant files a Petition of Noncompliance, decided by an independent Hearing Officer | Rent Stabilization Program |
How Much Rent Can Go Up Under Pomona Rent Control
For the period beginning January 1, 2026, the maximum allowed increase under pomona rent control is 5% per year. Your landlord can raise the rent only once in any 12-month period. That one increase cannot go over the cap in effect at that time. For example, if your rent is $1,800, the most it can go up in one year is $90.
The city page does not say whether landlords can bank unused increases or pass extra costs on to tenants. If your landlord claims either one, ask the Rent Stabilization Program before you pay. Also, the required notice period for a rent increase should be confirmed with the program. Typically, California law also requires written notice before any increase.
California has its own statewide rent cap under the Tenant Protection Act. However, when both rules apply, the stricter one protects you. As a result, if your unit is covered by pomona rent control, the 5% local cap is the number to check first.
Eviction Protections in This City
Pomona has “just cause” eviction rules. That means your landlord needs a legal reason to end your tenancy. The ordinance divides reasons into two groups. At-Fault reasons are based on something the tenant did, such as not paying rent. No-Fault reasons are not your fault, such as the owner moving in.
If your eviction is No-Fault, your landlord must pay you relocation assistance. The amount can depend on your unit and household. Confirm the current amount with the Rent Stabilization Program before you move out or sign anything. Do not accept a “cash for keys” deal until you know what the law already owes you.
Pomona rent control does not stop every eviction. However, it gives you the right to know the reason and to question it. In most cases, a landlord who skips these steps may have trouble winning in court.
What to Do If Your Landlord Breaks the Pomona Rent Control Rules
Under pomona rent control, you can challenge an illegal rent increase or other violations. You do this by filing a Petition of Noncompliance with the Rent Stabilization Program. An independent Hearing Officer reviews and decides each petition. You can reach the program at [email protected].
📨 Get Free Tenant Rights Guides Alerts
Free · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime
The program has held in-person office hours on Wednesdays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. They are in the Chuck Bader Room next to Pomona City Hall, at 505 S. Garey Ave., Pomona, CA 91766. Confirm the current schedule before you go. Bring your lease, every rent increase notice, rent receipts or bank records, and any texts or letters from your landlord.
If you already have eviction papers, do not wait for a petition decision. Contact a local legal-aid office or tenant attorney right away. Legal aid is usually free if you qualify. In most cases, they can help you file your court response on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does pomona rent control apply to my single-family house?
Usually not. Single-family homes and condos are often exempt under the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act. However, state tenant protections may still apply, so ask the Rent Stabilization Program about your address.
My landlord raised my rent twice this year. Is that allowed?
No, not if your unit is covered. Pomona rent control allows only one increase in any 12-month period, capped at 5% for the period beginning January 1, 2026. You can file a Petition of Noncompliance to dispute it.
Do I have to move out if my landlord wants to move in?
An owner move-in is a No-Fault reason, so your landlord must follow the ordinance and pay relocation assistance. You may be able to challenge the eviction if the steps were skipped. Check with a local legal-aid office before you leave.
Protect your stuff while you sort this out
A landlord’s insurance does not cover your belongings — renters insurance does, often for a few dollars a month. Compare options before your next move.
Find Your State’s Exact Rules
Notice periods, deposit caps, and the eviction timeline all change from state to state. Pick your state to see the exact days, dollar limits, and steps that apply where you live.
See Tenant Rights in All 50 States →
Sources & How to Verify
The rules on this page are drawn from official government and legal-aid sources. Tenant law changes, so always confirm the exact rule with your state’s statute or a local legal-aid office.
- HUD: hud.gov — federal renter protections and fair housing
- Legal Services Corporation: lsc.gov — find free legal aid in your state
- Cornell Legal Information Institute: law.cornell.edu/wex — plain-English legal definitions
- Your state statute & court self-help portal: search “[your state] landlord tenant act” and “[your state] court self-help eviction” for the exact law and forms
Content last reviewed September 2026. If you notice outdated information, please contact us.
California Renter Guides
- California Eviction Process
- California Tenant Rights
- California Security Deposit Law
- California Rent Increase Laws
- California Repairs and Habitability
- Breaking a Lease in California
Related Guides
- Tenant Rights by State (50-State Guide)
- More in This Category
- Tenant Scenarios — What to Do When…
- Notices, Letters & Documents
- Comparison Guides
- Tenant Rights Legal Glossary
Informational only — not legal advice. Tenant Rights Info is an independent educational resource, not a law firm, and this page does not provide legal advice. Landlord-tenant law varies by state and city and changes over time, so always verify the exact rule with your state’s statute, your local court’s self-help portal, or a legal-aid office. For urgent situations like an active eviction, contact a local legal-aid office or a licensed tenant attorney in your state right away.