Chapter 6.60 — RESIDENTIAL TENANCY PROTECTIONS

A. It is the purpose and intent of this chapter to provide housing stability through adoption of local protections

against arbitrary terminations of residential tenancies and to increase certainty and fairness in the residential

rental market within the city in order to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of Petaluma residents and

property owners.

B. This chapter is enacted to further the purposes of and in partial reliance on the statewide rent control

regulations codiRed in California Civil Code Section 1947.12, part of the Act, and in California Penal Code Section

396 during times of declared emergency. This chapter is intended to exercise the city’s constitutional police power

in Article XI, Sections 5 and 7 of the California Constitution and the authority granted in California Government

Code Section 1946.2, part of the Act.

C. This chapter is intended to provide tenant protections in addition to those in the Act by: commencing tenant

protections sooner than does the Act; regulating residential tenant relocation assistance; prescribing required

notice of tenants’ rights under this chapter; and the just causes based on which landlords of rental dwelling units

located within the city may terminate speciRed residential tenancies in the city.

D. This chapter is also intended to support the interests of residential property owners in: enforcing the lawful

terms of their rental agreements; renting their property for temporary tenancies; and exiting the rental housing

market, including upon sale of a rental unit.

(Ord. 2848 NCS §2, 2023; Ord. 2823 NCS §2, 2022.)

Terms used in this chapter that are not deRned in this section and that are deRned in the Act shall have the same

meaning as in the Act, as amended from time to time, and in any successor act. References in this section to the

Act and other laws shall include amendments to such laws and any successor laws, and any regulations

promulgated under such laws. For the purpose of this chapter, the following words and phrases are deRned as

follows:

A. "Accessory dwelling unit" means an attached or detached residential dwelling unit that provides complete

independent living facilities for one or more persons and is located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary

residence in accordance with the deRnition in Chapter 28 of the Zoning Ordinance.

B. "At-fault just causes for termination" means the circumstances listed in Section 6.60.050(B) justifying

termination of a residential tenancy due to no fault of the tenant.

The Petaluma Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 2916 NCS, passed December 1, 2025.

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C. "City" means the city of Petaluma, California, a California municipal corporation and charter city, and/or the

area within the territorial limits of the city, as the context requires.

D. "City housing manager" means the city of Petaluma housing manager or the housing manager’s designee.

E. "City manager" means the city of Petaluma city manager or the city manager’s designee.

F. "Dwelling unit" means a structure or the part of a structure in the city that is used as a home, residence, or

sleeping place by one person who maintains a household or by two or more persons who maintain a common

household as deRned in California Civil Code Section 1940. Dwelling unit does not include mobile homes as

deRned in California Civil Code Section 798.3.

G. "Guidelines" means any written regulations for the administration and implementation of this chapter

promulgated by the city manager in accordance with Section 6.60.120.

H. "Housing services" includes all services provided by a landlord related to the use or occupancy of a dwelling

unit, including, but not limited to, insurance, repairs, maintenance, painting, utilities, heat, water, elevator service,

laundry facilities, janitorial service, refuse removal, furnishings, parking, security service, employee services, and

any other beneRts or privileges permitted the tenant by agreement, whether express or implied, including the

right to a speciRed number of dwelling occupants and the right to one-for-one replacement of roommates.

I. "Junior accessory dwelling unit" means an accessory dwelling unit that is no more than Rve hundred square

feet in size and contained entirely within a single-family residence that meets the requirements of Section 7.035 of

the Zoning Ordinance in accordance with the deRnition in Chapter 28 of the Zoning Ordinance.

J. "Landlord" means an owner, lessor, or sublessor who receives or is entitled to receive rent for the use and

occupancy of any dwelling unit or portion thereof in the city, or an agent, representative or successor of any of the

foregoing.

K. "Low income" means "persons and families of low or moderate income" as that term is deRned in California

Health and Safety Code Section 50093.

L. "No-fault just causes for termination" means the circumstances listed in Section 6.60.050(D) justifying

termination of a residential tenancy due to no fault of the tenant.

M. "Notice of intent to withdraw" means a city-approved form that includes all of the requirements in Section

6.60.070(A) giving notice of an owner’s intent to withdraw a building containing at least one dwelling unit from the

residential rental market.

N. "Notice of termination" means a written notice that includes all of the information listed in Sections

6.60.060(A)(1) through (7).

O. "Owner" means a natural person with at least a Rfty percent recorded ownership interest in a dwelling unit.

P. "Relative" means the child, parent, grandparent, spouse or registered domestic partner of a residential

property owner or tenant.

The Petaluma Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 2916 NCS, passed December 1, 2025.

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Q. "Primary residence" means a dwelling unit that an owner occupies as a primary residence, as evidenced by

the dwelling unit qualifying for a homeowner’s property tax exemption.

R. "Rent" means the consideration, including any funds, labor, bonus, beneRt, or gratuity, demanded or received

by a landlord for or in connection with the use and occupancy of a dwelling unit in the city and the housing

services provided therewith, or for the assignment of a rental agreement for a dwelling unit.

S. "Temporary tenancy" means a tenancy in the primary residence of the owner that is less than twelve months

in duration pursuant to an agreement specifying a date when the rental agreement will expire and the tenant shall

surrender the unit so the owner may reoccupy it as their primary residence.

T. "Tenant" means a person entitled by written or oral agreement, to the use or occupancy of a dwelling unit in

the city.

U. "Tenant household" means all tenant(s) who occupy any dwelling unit in the city, and includes tenant relatives

whose primary residence is the dwelling unit.

V. "Zoning Ordinance" means the Implementing Zoning Ordinance of the city, Ordinance 2300 N.C.S.

(Ord. 2848 NCS §2, 2023; Ord. 2823 NCS §2, 2022.)

A. General Application. Except as provided in subsection B of this section, the provisions of this chapter shall

apply to tenants and tenant households on the Rrst day of the term of rental agreements for dwelling units:

1. That contain a separate bathroom, kitchen, and living area in a multifamily or multipurpose dwelling;

2. In single-room occupancy residential structures; or

3. In a structure that is being used for residential uses whether or not the residential use is a conforming

use permitted under the Zoning Ordinance, that is hired, rented, or leased to a household within the meaning

of California Civil Code Section 1940. This includes any dwelling unit that is actually used for residential

purposes, including live-work spaces, whether or not the residential use is legally permitted.

B. Exceptions. Notwithstanding subsection A of this section, the provisions of this chapter shall not apply to:

1. Tenant Protection Act Exceptions.

a. Transient and tourist occupancies as deRned in California Civil Code Section 1940(b).

b. Housing accommodations in a nonproRt hospital, religious facility, extended care facility, licensed

residential care facility for the elderly, as deRned in Section 1569.2 of the California Health and Safety

Code, or an adult residential facility, as deRned in Chapter 6 of Division 6 of Title 22 of the Manual of

Policies and Procedures published by the State Department of Social Services.

The Petaluma Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 2916 NCS, passed December 1, 2025.

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c. Dormitories owned and operated by an institution of higher education or a kindergarten and grades

one to twelve, inclusive, school.

2. Small Property Owners. Residential rental units of property owners that are not a real estate investment

trust, as deRned in Section 856 of the Internal Revenue Code, or a corporation, or a limited liability company

in which at least one member is a corporation, that own three or fewer such units in the city, and that have

provided written notice to the tenants in the rental agreement that the residential property are exempt from

this chapter. The notice must read as follows:

This dwelling unit is not subject to the just cause requirements of Section 1946.2 of the Civil Code

and is not subject to the just cause or other requirements of Chapter 6.60 entitled "Residential

Tenancy Protections" of the Petaluma Municipal Code. The owner is not a real estate investment

trust, as deRned in Section 856 of the Internal Revenue Code, or a corporation, or a limited liability

company in which at least one member is a corporation, and owns 3 or fewer residential units in

Petaluma.

3. Temporary Tenancies. Temporary tenancies as deRned in this chapter.

4. Tenant Property Managers. Any dwelling unit occupied by a tenant who is employed by a landlord for the

purpose of managing the property or by a tenant who is permitted to reside in the dwelling unit in

consideration of managing the property.

5. Units Shared With Owner. Any dwelling unit in which the owner resides with a tenant or tenant household

as the owner’s primary residence and in which the owner shares a bathroom or kitchen with the tenant or

tenant household.

(Ord. 2848 NCS §2, 2023; Ord. 2823 NCS §2, 2022.)

A. Landlords must provide to each tenant a current notice of tenant and tenant household rights under this

chapter using the form provided by the city for that purpose in accordance with the requirements of this section:

1. Within thirty calendar days of this chapter taking eUect;

2. When entering a lease or rental agreement;

3. When renewing a lease or rental agreement;

4. When providing notice of a rent increase;

The Petaluma Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 2916 NCS, passed December 1, 2025.

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5. Within thirty days of notice by the city that the notice of tenant rights provided by the city has been

amended and receipt of the amended city notice or a working link to the amended city notice on the city’s

website;

6. When a landlord lists the property for sale; and

7. Within thirty days of acquiring title to the unit or property.

B. Notices provided under this section shall be in English and Spanish, using the current forms provided by the

city. If the rental agreement governing a dwelling unit to which this chapter applies is in a language other than

English or Spanish, the landlord must provide an accurate translation of the notice of tenant rights provided by the

city in the language of the rental agreement, as well as the notice provided by the city.

C. Failure to comply with the notice requirements in this section shall render any rental increase notice invalid

and unenforceable until such noncompliance is cured. Failure to comply with the notice requirements of this

section may only be cured by providing notice of tenant rights in accordance with this section.

(Ord. 2848 NCS §2, 2023; Ord. 2823 NCS §2, 2022.)

Landlords are prohibited from terminating tenancies to which this chapter applies unless the termination is for an

"at-fault" or "no-fault" just cause in accordance with this section, and unless and until the landlord Rrst satisRes

the termination prerequisites speciRed in this section.

A. Termination Prerequisites. Before terminating a residential tenancy to which this chapter applies, the landlord

must:

1. Provide a notice of tenant rights in accordance with Section 6.60.040;

2. Serve a notice of termination in accordance with Section 6.60.060; and

3. Not accept rent or any other consideration in return for the continued use of the dwelling unit beyond

the term of the terminated tenancy in accordance with California Civil Code Sections 1945, 1946, and 1946.1.

B. At-Fault Just Causes. The following circumstances with respect to a tenancy to which this chapter applies

qualify as at-fault just causes for termination of the tenancy as permitted by this chapter. Nothing in this section

shall abrogate the protections aUorded to survivors of violence consistent with the California Code of Civil

Procedure Section 1161(3) and the Violence Against Women Act, Public Law 102-322, as amended from time to

time.

1. Failure to Pay Rent. The tenant failed to pay rent within three days of receiving written notice from the

landlord demanding payment in accordance with California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1161(2), unless

The Petaluma Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 2916 NCS, passed December 1, 2025.

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the tenant has withheld rent in accordance with the terms of the rental agreement or applicable local, state,

or federal law.

a. Tenants may raise as a defense to an unlawful detainer action to recover possession of a unit for

failure to pay rent that the landlord refused to accept rent paid on behalf of the tenant by a third party,

or is refusing to provide a W-9 form or other necessary documentation for the tenant to receive rental

assistance from a government agency, nonproRt organization, or other third party.

2. Breach of Rental Agreement. The tenant has committed a breach of a material term of the lease, as

described in California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1161(3), including, but not limited to, violation of a

provision of the lease after being issued a written notice to correct the violation.

3. Tenant Illegal Activity. Criminal activity by the tenant on the residential real property, including any

common areas, or any criminal activity or criminal threat, as deRned in California Penal Code Section 422(a),

on or oU the residential real property, that is directed at any owner or agent of the owner of the residential

real property.

4. Unlawful Use of Premises. Using the premises for an unlawful purpose as described in California Civil Code

Section 1161(4).

5. Nuisance. The tenant has maintained, committed or permitted the maintenance or commission of a

nuisance as described in California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1161(4).

6. Failure to Give Access. The tenant has refused, without good cause, after landlord has served written

notice, to grant landlord reasonable access to the dwelling unit as authorized by California Civil Code Sections

1101.5 and 1954, and California Health and Safety Code Sections 13113.7 and 17926.1.

7. Committing Waste. Tenant has committed waste as described in California Code of Civil Procedure Section

1161(4).

8. Refusal to Enter a New Lease. The tenant had a written lease that terminated on or after the eUective date

of this chapter, and, after a written request or demand from the landlord, the tenant has refused to execute a

written extension or renewal of the lease for an additional term of similar duration with similar provisions;

provided, that those terms do not violate this chapter or any other provision of law.

9. Prohibited Assignment or Subletting. Assignment or subletting the premises in violation of the tenant’s

lease, as described in California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1161(4).

10. Failure to Vacate. The employee’s, agent’s or licensee’s failure to vacate after their termination as an

employee, agent or a licensee as described in California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1161(1).

11. Failure to Deliver Possession. When the tenant fails to deliver possession of the residential real property

after providing the owner written notice as provided in California Civil Code Section 1946 of the tenant’s

intention to terminate the hiring of the real property, or makes a written oUer to surrender that is accepted in

writing by the landlord, but fails to deliver possession at the time speciRed in that written notice as described

in California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1161(5).

The Petaluma Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 2916 NCS, passed December 1, 2025.

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C. Limitations on Subsection B of This Section.

1. For purposes of subsections (B)(3) through (5) of this section, if the member of the tenant household that

is responsible for giving cause for termination of the tenancy is not the tenant, the tenant, after receipt of

notice of termination in accordance with Section 6.60.060, may cure the violation by permanently removing

the member of the tenant household giving cause for termination, and substantiating such removal to the

landlord’s reasonable satisfaction.

2. Except as permitted by California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1161.3, an act or acts against a tenant

or a tenant household member that constitute one of the crimes listed in that section shall not give cause for

termination of a tenancy to which this chapter applies. Tenants may raise the protections in California Code

of Civil Procedure Section 1161.3, where applicable, as an aTrmative defense to an action to terminate a

tenancy. Landlords shall keep conRdential all information that is received in conRdence from a tenant or a

tenant household member who is a victim of one of the crimes listed in California Code of Civil Procedure

Section 1161.3, except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to provide for a reasonable

accommodation for the victim, or is otherwise required pursuant to applicable federal, state or local law.

D. No-Fault Just Causes. The following circumstances with respect to a tenancy to which this chapter applies

qualify as no-fault just causes for termination of the tenancy as permitted by this chapter:

1. Permanent Withdrawal From Rental Market. A landlord intends in good faith to withdraw a building

containing at least one rental unit from the residential rental market.

2. Owner or Relative to Occupy Dwelling Unit. Intent to occupy the residential real property by the owner or

their relative, but only if a provision of the lease allows the owner to terminate the lease if the owner, or their

relative member unilaterally decides to occupy the residential real property.

3. Intent to Demolish or Substantially Remodel. Intent to demolish or substantially remodel the residential

real property. For purposes of this subsection, "substantially remodel" means the replacement or substantial

modiRcation of any structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical system that requires a permit from a

governmental agency, or the abatement of hazardous materials, including lead-based paint, mold or

asbestos, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, that cannot be reasonably accomplished

in a safe manner with the tenant in place and that requires the tenant to vacate the residential real property

for at least thirty days. Cosmetic improvements alone, including painting, decorating and minor repairs, or

other work that can be performed safely without having the residential real property vacated, do not qualify

as substantial remodeling.

4. Government Order. The owner complying with any of the following:

a. An order issued by a government agency or court relating to habitability that necessitates vacating

the residential real property.

b. An order issued by a government agency or court to vacate the residential real property.

c. A local ordinance that necessitates vacating the residential real property.

The Petaluma Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 2916 NCS, passed December 1, 2025.

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(Ord. 2848 NCS §2, 2023; Ord. 2823 NCS §2, 2022.)

A. Contents of Notice of Termination. In addition to any information required by federal or state law, each notice

of termination of a rental agreement to which this chapter applies must include:

1. The name and address of the landlord where the landlord will accept service of process;

2. The location of the dwelling unit subject to the notice;

3. The date of the notice, which shall be the date the notice was mailed or delivered;

4. The termination eUective date, which shall be the intended Rnal date of occupancy under the tenancy;

5. The monthly rent applicable to the tenancy upon mailing or delivery of the notice and, if applicable, the

date on which the Rnal monthly rent is due;

6. The beginning date of the tenancy and monthly rent applicable at that time; and

7. At least one applicable just cause for termination of the tenancy in accordance with Section 6.60.050.

B. Language of Notice of Termination. Notices provided under this section shall be in English and Spanish. If the

rental agreement governing a dwelling unit to which this chapter applies is in a language other than English or

Spanish, the landlord must also provide an accurate translation of the notice of termination in the language of the

rental agreement.

C. Delivery of Notice. Notice of termination must be delivered to the tenant household in accordance with

California Civil Code Sections 1946 and 1946.1, as applicable.

D. Renotice. If a notice of termination for a no-fault just cause is served after adoption but prior to the eUective

date of this chapter, the landlord shall provide the notice required by this section to the tenant household within

Rfteen calendar days after the eUective date of this chapter, or before the previously served notice of termination

expires, whichever occurs Rrst.

(Ord. 2848 NCS §2, 2023; Ord. 2823 NCS §2, 2022.)

A. Landlords terminating a tenancy due to permanent withdrawal of the unit from the rental market in

accordance with Section 6.60.050(D)(1) must Rrst, in addition to giving notice in accordance with Section 6.60.060,

provide the tenant household and the city housing manager notice of intent to withdraw the dwelling unit. The

notice of intent to withdraw must:

The Petaluma Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 2916 NCS, passed December 1, 2025.

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1. Specify the intended use of the lot where the dwelling unit to be withdrawn is located;

2. Include a description of the tenant’s rights to relocation assistance in accordance with Section 6.60.080.

B. Landlords terminating a tenancy due to the intent of the owner or owner’s relative to occupy the dwelling unit

in accordance with Section 6.60.050(D)(2) must Rrst, in addition to giving notice as required by Section 6.60.060,

provide the tenant household and the city housing manager notice of the name, address, and relationship to the

owner of the individual intending to occupy the dwelling unit.

C. Landlords terminating a tenancy due to intent to demolish or substantially remodel the unit in accordance

with Section 6.60.050(D)(3) must Rrst, in addition to giving notice as required by Section 6.60.060, provide the

tenant household and the city housing manager a copy of any issued permits for the rehabilitation work and a

description of:

1. The nature and scope of the rehabilitation work; and

2. Why the rehabilitation work requires the tenant to vacate the tenancy.

D. Landlords terminating any tenancy for a no-fault just cause in accordance with Section 6.60.050(D) must:

1. In addition to giving notice as required by Section 6.60.060, provide notice using a form provided by the

city for that purpose of the tenant’s right to relocation assistance in accordance with Section 6.60.080; and

2. Include a description of the tenant’s rights to regain possession of the dwelling unit if the dwelling unit

becomes available for residential rent in the six months immediately following the date when the landlord

regained possession of the dwelling unit.

E. Language of Additional Notice for No-Fault Termination. Notices required under this section shall be in English

and Spanish. If the rental agreement governing a dwelling unit to which this chapter applies is a language other

than English or Spanish, the landlord must also provide an accurate required notice in the language of the rental

agreement.

(Ord. 2848 NCS §2, 2023; Ord. 2823 NCS §2, 2022.)

A. Landlords terminating any tenancy for no-fault just causes in accordance with Section 6.60.050(D) must

provide relocation assistance in the form of a direct payment to the tenant equal to the lesser of two hundred Rfty

percent of one month of rent under the rental agreement in eUect at the time of notice of termination of the

tenancy or nine thousand dollars as adjusted annually for inSation beginning on the Rrst anniversary of the

eUective date of this chapter, and continuing every year thereafter.

B. Relocation assistance required pursuant to this chapter shall be paid within fourteen calendar days of service

of notice of termination.

The Petaluma Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 2916 NCS, passed December 1, 2025.

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C. If a tenant fails to vacate a dwelling unit after the expiration of a notice to terminate the tenancy that has

been lawfully given in accordance with this chapter, the landlord may recover the actual amount of any relocation

assistance provided pursuant to this section as damages in an action to recover possession of the dwelling unit.

D. The relocation assistance required by this section may not be credited against any other relocation assistance

required by any other law and shall not operate or be construed to operate as a waiver of any rights a tenant may

have under applicable law.

E. Nothing in this chapter may be construed to prohibit a landlord and tenant from agreeing to relocation

assistance in addition to the relocation assistance required pursuant to this section. Landlords and owners of

dwelling units to which this chapter applies are prohibited from attempting to convince a tenant to waive the

tenant’s right to relocation assistance or to accept relocation assistance that is less than that required pursuant to

this chapter, and any agreement purporting to waive the tenant’s right to relocation assistance or provide

relocation assistance that is less than that required pursuant to this chapter shall be void as against public policy.

(Ord. 2848 NCS §2, 2023; Ord. 2823 NCS §2, 2022.)

A. Notice to City. If a dwelling unit to which this chapter applies that was withdrawn from the rental market in

accordance with Section 6.60.050(D)(1) is oUered again for rent for residential purposes within six months of the

date the dwelling unit was deemed withdrawn pursuant to this chapter, the owner must Rrst notify the city

housing manager in writing of the owner’s intention to again oUer the withdrawn dwelling unit for rent or lease.

B. Right of Return and First Right of Refusal.

1. Tenants to whom this chapter applies that are provided notice of termination of a tenancy for a no-fault

just cause in accordance with Sections 6.60.050(D)(1) through (4) may, within thirty days of date of the notice,

provide the landlord written notice using the form provided by the city for that purpose of the tenant’s desire

to consider an oUer to renew the tenancy. Tenants who provide the landlord such notice shall have the Rrst

right of refusal to return to the dwelling unit if the dwelling unit is returned to the rental market by the

landlord or successor landlord within six months of the time that the dwelling unit is deemed withdrawn

pursuant to this chapter.

2. The oUer to rent the withdrawn dwelling unit again shall be deposited by the owner in the United States

mail, by registered or certiRed mail with postage prepaid, addressed to the former tenant at the address

furnished to the landlord as provided in this section, and shall describe the terms of the oUer to renew the

tenancy in accordance with the requirements of this section. The displaced tenant shall have thirty days from

the deposit of the oUer in the mail to accept the oUer by personal delivery or by deposit in the United States

mail by registered or certiRed mail with postage prepaid. Tenants with a right of Rrst refusal pursuant to this

section may advise the landlord or their successor at any time a change of address to which an oUer to renew

a tenancy should be directed.

The Petaluma Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 2916 NCS, passed December 1, 2025.

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(Ord. 2848 NCS §2, 2023; Ord. 2823 NCS §2, 2022.)

A. A7rmative Defense. A landlord’s failure to comply with the requirements of this chapter shall be an aTrmative

defense to an unlawful detainer action by landlord. A tenant who prevails in a case for wrongful eviction due to the

landlord’s noncompliance with this chapter shall recover costs and reasonable attorney’s fees.

B. Civil Liability. Whenever a landlord attempts to prevent a tenant from acquiring or exercising the tenant’s

rights under this chapter, or retaliates against a tenant or tenant household for the exercise of their rights under

this chapter, or otherwise violates the requirements of this chapter, the tenant, tenant household, or the city may

institute a civil proceeding for money damages or injunctive relief, or both. Landlords found to have violated this

chapter shall be subject to appropriate injunctive relief and shall be liable for damages, costs and reasonable

attorney’s fees, and whatever other relief the court deems appropriate.

C. City Authorization to Enforce This Chapter.

1. The city shall have the right and authority, but not the duty, to enforce the requirements of this chapter

by bringing actions for injunctive relief on behalf of the city or tenants or tenant households to which this

chapter applies, and by seeking compliance by landlords with the requirements of this chapter through

administrative remedies or by citation.

2. The city in its sole discretion may choose to enforce the provisions of this chapter through administrative

Rnes and any other remedies provided in Chapters 1.10 through 1.16. The city’s decision to pursue or not

pursue enforcement of any kind shall not aUect the rights of tenants or tenant households to whom this

chapter applies to pursue civil remedies for violations of this chapter.

D. Civil Action to Determine Liability. Any tenant may bring a civil action to determine the applicability of this

chapter to a tenancy.

E. Other Private Rights of Action. Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to limit the right of a landlord to Rle an

action against a tenant or nontenant third party for damage to the landlord’s property, or to otherwise seek

recovery from tenants or third parties as permitted by a lawful rental agreement or applicable provisions of law.

F. No Cause of Action Against the City. To the maximum extent permitted by law, nothing in this chapter may be

construed to create a cause of action against the city, or a basis for seeking an award of attorney’s fees against the

city pursuant to the private attorney general’s statute in California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1021.5, or on

any other basis arising from or related to an alleged violation of the requirements of this chapter, and/or based on

or related to the city’s prosecution or enforcement or alleged failure to prosecute or enforce any such alleged

violation, and/or based on or related to the city’s implementation or alleged failure to implement the requirements

of this chapter.

(Ord. 2848 NCS §2, 2023; Ord. 2823 NCS §2, 2022.)

The Petaluma Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 2916 NCS, passed December 1, 2025.

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A. No landlord or owner may threaten to bring, or bring, an action to recover possession, cause the tenant to

quit a dwelling unit involuntarily, serve any notice to quit or notice of termination of tenancy, decrease any

services or increase the rent where the landlord’s intent is to retaliate against the tenant for: the tenant’s assertion

or exercise of rights pursuant to this chapter or under applicable state or federal law; for the tenant’s request or

demand for, or participation in mediation or arbitration under any public or private mediation program; or for the

tenant’s participation in litigation. Any such retaliation shall be a defense to an action to recover possession of the

dwelling unit, or a basis for an aTrmative action by the tenant for actual and punitive damages and/or injunctive

relief.

B. In an action against the tenant, evidence of the assertion or exercise by the tenant of rights pursuant to this

chapter or under applicable state or federal law within one hundred eighty days prior to the alleged act of

retaliation shall create a rebuttable presumption that the landlord’s action is retaliatory. A tenant may assert

landlord retaliation in violation of this chapter aTrmatively or as a defense to the landlord’s action without the

presumption regardless of the period of time that has elapsed between the tenant’s assertion or exercise of rights

pursuant to this chapter and the alleged act of retaliation.

(Ord. 2848 NCS §2, 2023; Ord. 2823 NCS §2, 2022.)

The city manager is authorized to promulgate guidelines and regulations to implement this chapter, including by

publication of form notices and other documents. Any and all forms, notices and other documents necessary or

helpful in the administration of this chapter may be adopted by the city manager in consultation with the city

attorney. (Ord. 2848 NCS §2, 2023; Ord. 2823 NCS §2, 2022. Formerly 6.60.130.)

The Petaluma Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 2916 NCS, passed December 1, 2025.

Disclaimer: The city clerk’s oTce has the oTcial version of the Petaluma Municipal Code. Users should contact the

city clerk’s oTce for ordinances passed subsequent to the ordinance cited above.

City Website: cityofpetaluma.net

Hosted by General Code.

The Petaluma Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 2916 NCS, passed December 1, 2025.

Title 7 Reserved | Petaluma Municipal Code Page 1 of 1