URGENT: Tenant Protections At Risk
As of May 13, 2025, the Salinas City Council voted to repeal the city's rent stabilization ordinance – a policy designed to protect renters from sudden rent hikes. With more than 55% of our city renting their homes, this repeal directly threatens the stability and well-being of thousands of families, essential workers, and seniors who already struggle to keep up with rising housing costs.
Your voice matters! Here's how to take action:
- Contact your councilmember directly (details below)
- Volunteer to help with our community organizing efforts
- Sign our petition to reinstate rent protections
DEADLINE TO ACT: JULY 3, 2025
Time is limited: This change officially takes effect in 30 days - we must act now!
Salinas Rent Stabilization Ordinance
Learn about your rights and responsibilities under the city’s rent stabilization program
Stand Up for Housing Justice
Reverse the Repeal of Rent Stabilization in Salinas
Stand Up for Renters' Rights
The Crisis
In May 2025, the Salinas City Council repealed the city's rent stabilization ordinance – a policy designed to protect renters from sudden, unaffordable rent hikes. With more than 55% of our city renting their homes, this repeal directly threatens the stability and well-being of thousands of families, essential workers, and seniors who already struggle to keep up with rising housing costs.
This decision prioritizes investor comfort over community survival. Without safeguards like rent stabilization, tenants are left vulnerable to displacement, exploitation, and instability – all in a city where housing was already out of reach for many.
Our Demand
We, the residents of Salinas, demand action.
We call on the City Council to reverse the repeal and reinstate meaningful rent protections. Housing should be a human right, not a commodity to be auctioned to the highest bidder. Our local government must put the needs of its people first.
Join Our Cause
Sign this petition to send a clear message:
We oppose the repeal of rent stabilization and demand policies that protect renters, preserve our community, and ensure housing remains affordable for all.
Together, we can hold our leaders accountable.
Ordinance Overview
Effective Date
January 1, 2025
Applies To
Multifamily rental units built before February 1, 1995
Exemptions
Single-family homes, condominiums, and properties built after February 1, 1995
Key Provisions
- Caps annual rent increases at 2.75%
- Requires just cause for evictions
- Includes anti-harassment protections for tenants
- Establishes a petition process for both landlords and tenants
Rent Increase Limits
Landlords may increase rent once every 12 months by the lesser of:
- 2.75%
- 75% of the most recent 12-month increase in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U)
If the CPI-U increases by 4% over 12 months, the maximum allowable rent increase would be 3% (75% of 4%).
Salinas City Council: Your Local Representatives
City Council Districts
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Rent Increase Calculator
Salinas Rent Calculator
Find out your maximum allowable rent increase
First, let's check if the ordinance applies to your unit
The Salinas Rent Stabilization Ordinance applies to multifamily rental units built before February 1, 1995. It does not apply to single-family homes, condominiums, or newer properties.
You can check your property details on the Monterey County GIS website
Ask the Monterey County Assessor's Office – Call or email:
Phone: (831) 755-5035
Email: [email protected]
Was your rental unit built before February 1, 1995?
Local Ordinance
State Cap (10%)
Based on the Salinas Rent Stabilization Ordinance effective January 1, 2025.
Using SF-Oakland-Hayward CPI-U: 3.9% (March 2025)
Additional Resources
City of Salinas Rental Registration & Rent Stabilization
Official information page for rent stabilization and rental registration in Salinas, including details about the new ordinances.
Visit Official PageRent Stabilization Ordinance (PDF)
Complete text of the official Rent Stabilization Ordinance as approved by the Salinas City Council.
Download PDFFrequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about rental registration requirements, rent stabilization, and tenant protections.
View FAQsTenant Petition Forms
Forms and instructions for tenants to file petitions related to rent increases or other issues.
Access FormsLandlord Petition Forms
Forms and instructions for landlords to file petitions related to the rent stabilization ordinance.
Access FormsLandlord Petitions for Higher Increases
Petition Types
Landlords can petition for rent increases above the standard cap by:
Petition Process
Rental Registration
Rent Reduction Petition
Tenants can request a rent reduction if:
- Charged above the allowable rent.
- Housing services are reduced.
- The unit is not maintained in a habitable condition.
Anti-Harassment Protections
Landlords are prohibited from actions intended to force tenants to vacate, such as failing to perform necessary repairs, threatening tenants, or removing housing services.
Rental Registration
Requirements
All rental properties must be registered with the City.
Annual Fees:
- $170 per unit for rent-stabilized units.
- $45 per unit for non-stabilized units.
Note: Fees cannot be passed onto tenants.
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