How to Comply with California’s Tenant Protection Act in Seal Beach

The California Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482), effective from January 1, 2020, and set to expire on January 1, 2030, unless extended, is a landmark piece of legislation designed to protect renters across the state from excessive rent increases and unjust evictions. For landlords and property managers in Seal Beach, a coastal city in Orange County, complying with this law is essential to avoid legal disputes, penalties, and strained tenant relationships. This comprehensive guide outlines the key provisions of the Tenant Protection Act, how they apply in Seal Beach, and actionable steps to ensure compliance while maintaining a positive landlord-tenant dynamic.

Understanding the California Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482)

The Tenant Protection Act, codified in California Civil Code Sections 1946.2 and 1947.12, establishes two primary protections for tenants: rent caps and just cause eviction requirements. These measures aim to address housing affordability and tenant stability, particularly in areas like Seal Beach, where rental demand is high due to its desirable beachfront location and proximity to Los Angeles and Long Beach.

Key Provisions of AB 1482

1. Rent Caps:

   • Landlords cannot increase rent for covered units by more than 5% plus the local Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 10%, whichever is lower, within a 12-month period.

   • The CPI is the percentage change in the cost of living from April 1 of the prior year to April 1 of the current year, as published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for the region where the property is located. If a regional CPI is unavailable, the California CPI for All Urban Consumers applies.

   • For example, if the CPI for the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim area (which includes Seal Beach) is 3.8%, the maximum allowable rent increase would be 8.8% (5% + 3.8%).

2. Just Cause Evictions:

   • Landlords must provide a valid “just cause” to terminate a tenancy for tenants who have occupied the unit for 12 months or more, or if at least one tenant has lived there for 24 months.

   • Just causes are divided into two categories:

     • At-Fault Just Cause: Includes nonpayment of rent, breach of lease terms (e.g., unauthorized subletting), nuisance, criminal activity, or refusal to allow landlord access.

     • No-Fault Just Cause: Includes owner move-in, withdrawal of the property from the rental market, substantial remodeling, or compliance with a government order to vacate.

   • For no-fault evictions, landlords must provide relocation assistance, either by waiving the final month’s rent or paying a relocation fee equal to one month’s rent within 15 days of issuing the eviction notice.

3. Notice Requirements:

   • Tenants must receive written notice of their rights under AB 1482. For tenancies existing before July 1, 2020, this notice was due by August 1, 2020. For tenancies starting or renewed on or after July 1, 2020, the notice must be included as an addendum to the lease or provided as a signed written notice.

   • The notice must include: “California law limits the amount your rent can be increased. See Section 1947.12 of the Civil Code for more information. California law also provides that after all of the tenants have continuously and lawfully occupied the property for 12 months or more or at least one of the tenants has continuously and lawfully occupied the property for 24 months or more, a landlord must provide a statement of cause in any notice to terminate a tenancy.”

4. Exemptions:

   • Certain properties are exempt from AB 1482, including:

     • Single-family homes and condominiums not owned by corporations or real estate investment trusts (REITs), provided the tenant is notified in writing.

     • Units constructed within the last 15 years (on a rolling basis).

     • Duplexes where the owner occupies one unit as their primary residence.

     • Units subject to stricter local rent control ordinances (e.g., in cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco, but not Seal Beach, which lacks its own rent control).

     • Affordable housing units restricted by deed or regulatory agreements.

     • Dormitories, hotels, or shared accommodations where the tenant shares a bathroom or kitchen with the owner.

5. Non-Waivable Rights:

   • Tenants cannot waive their rights under AB 1482, and any agreement attempting to do so is void as contrary to public policy.

Does AB 1482 Apply in Seal Beach?

Seal Beach does not have its own local rent control ordinance, meaning the statewide provisions of AB 1482 apply to most residential rental properties in the city, unless they fall under an exemption. Given Seal Beach’s mix of single-family homes, condominiums, and multi-family units, landlords must carefully determine whether their properties are covered. For example, a multi-family building older than 15 years with tenants who have lived there for over a year is likely subject to AB 1482, while a single-family home owned by an individual may be exempt if properly disclosed.

Steps to Comply with AB 1482 in Seal Beach

To ensure compliance with the Tenant Protection Act, landlords in Seal Beach should follow these actionable steps:

1. Verify If Your Property Is Covered

• Check Property Type and Age: Confirm whether your rental unit is exempt. For instance, if your property was built after April 2010 (as of April 2025), it is exempt until it reaches 15 years old. Use city records or the certificate of occupancy to verify the construction date.

• Review Ownership Structure: If you own a single-family home or condo as an individual, ensure you provide written notice to tenants that the property is exempt under Civil Code Sections 1946.2(e)(8)(B)(i) and 1947.12(d)(5)(B)(i). If the property is owned by a corporation or REIT, it is not exempt.

• Assess Local Ordinances: Since Seal Beach lacks local rent control, AB 1482 is the governing law for covered units.

2. Provide Proper Notice of AB 1482 Protections

• Include the required AB 1482 notice in all new or renewed leases. For existing tenants, confirm that you provided the notice by August 1, 2020, or update your records if you missed this deadline.

• Use the exact language specified in the law to avoid disputes. Keep signed copies of the notice or lease addendum for your records.

3. Adhere to Rent Increase Limits

• Calculate Allowable Increases: Check the CPI for the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim area, published annually by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For 2024-2025, if the CPI is 3.8%, the maximum increase is 8.8%.

• Provide Adequate Notice: Give tenants at least 30 days’ written notice for rent increases of 10% or less, and 90 days’ notice for increases exceeding 10% within a 12-month period.

• Monitor Frequency: Ensure rent increases do not exceed two per year and stay within the annual cap.

4. Follow Just Cause Eviction Rules

• Document Just Cause: For any eviction, clearly state the at-fault or no-fault reason in the termination notice, referencing Civil Code Section 1946.2(b).

• Provide Relocation Assistance for No-Fault Evictions: If evicting for reasons like owner move-in or substantial remodeling, decide whether to waive the final month’s rent or pay a relocation fee. If choosing the fee, pay it within 15 days of issuing the notice.

• Substantial Remodel Requirements: For evictions due to substantial remodeling, ensure the work requires a permit, cannot be safely completed with tenants in place, and will take at least 30 days. Since April 1, 2024, the eviction notice must include a work description, copies of permits, and a statement that tenants can re-rent the unit at the same terms if the remodel is not completed.

5. Maintain Accurate Records

• Keep detailed records of lease agreements, rent increase notices, eviction notices, and relocation payments. These documents are critical if a tenant challenges your actions in court.

• Document all tenant communications, especially regarding repairs or lease violations, to support at-fault eviction claims if needed.

6. Ensure Habitability and Avoid Retaliation

• Maintain the property in a habitable condition, as required by California Civil Code Section 1941.1, addressing issues like plumbing, heating, and structural integrity promptly.

• Avoid retaliatory actions, such as raising rent or evicting tenants, in response to their exercise of legal rights (e.g., reporting code violations). Retaliation is illegal and can lead to lawsuits.

7. Comply with Local Seal Beach Regulations

• While Seal Beach does not have rent control, check for other local housing ordinances, such as those related to property maintenance or tenant relocation assistance. For example, nearby Long Beach has a Tenant Relocation Assistance Ordinance for significant rent increases, which could influence regional expectations.

• Register with the Seal Beach Code Enforcement Division if required for multi-family properties, and ensure compliance with health and safety codes.

8. Seek Legal or Professional Assistance

• Consult a local attorney specializing in landlord-tenant law to review your leases and practices. Firms like Tobener Ravenscroft LLP or Riley | Ersoff LLP offer expertise in California tenant protections.

• Consider hiring a property management company familiar with Seal Beach, such as Sail Properties or Beach Front Property Management, to handle compliance tasks like notices and record-keeping.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Exceeding Rent Caps: Raising rent beyond the allowed percentage without checking the CPI can lead to tenant complaints and legal action. Tenants can report excessive increases to local housing authorities or pursue claims in state court.

• Improper Eviction Notices: Failing to state a valid just cause or provide relocation assistance for no-fault evictions can render the notice void, delaying or invalidating the eviction process.

• Missing Notice Deadlines: Not providing the AB 1482 notice to tenants risks non-compliance and weakens your legal position in disputes.

• Assuming Exemptions Apply: Misclassifying a property as exempt (e.g., assuming a corporate-owned single-family home is exempt) can lead to violations. Always verify ownership and provide exemption notices where applicable.

• Retaliatory Actions: Evicting or raising rent in response to tenant complaints about habitability or code violations can result in lawsuits, with potential triple damages for elderly or disabled tenants.

Benefits of Compliance

Complying with AB 1482 not only avoids legal risks but also fosters positive tenant relationships, reducing turnover and vacancy costs in Seal Beach’s competitive rental market. Transparent communication about rent increases and eviction processes builds trust, while maintaining habitable conditions enhances property value and tenant satisfaction. Additionally, staying informed about laws like AB 1482 positions landlords to adapt to future legislative changes, such as potential extensions of the act or new bills like AB 246 (Social Security Tenant Protection Act of 2025).

Resources for Seal Beach Landlords

• California Department of Justice: Offers guidance on tenant rights and landlord responsibilities (oag.ca.gov).

• Fair Housing Foundation: Provides resources and answers FAQs about AB 1482 (fhfca.org).

• California Apartment Association: Offers tools for calculating rent increases and understanding exemptions (caanet.org).

• Local Legal Aid: Contact LawHelpCA.org for free or low-cost legal assistance in Orange County.

• Seal Beach City Website: Check for local housing regulations or code enforcement contacts (sealbeachca.gov).

Conclusion

Complying with the California Tenant Protection Act in Seal Beach requires a thorough understanding of rent caps, just cause eviction rules, and notice requirements. By verifying property coverage, adhering to legal limits, maintaining accurate records, and seeking professional guidance, landlords can navigate AB 1482 effectively while fostering a fair and stable rental environment. Staying proactive and informed not only ensures compliance but also supports long-term success in Seal Beach’s vibrant rental market. For personalized advice, consult a local attorney or property management expert to tailor your approach to your specific properties and tenants.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Landlords should consult a qualified attorney to ensure compliance with AB 1482 and local regulations.