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Ojai · Renting & eviction

Rent increases in Ojai

City cap: 4%; a larger increase needs a fair-return rent adjustment application approved by the City.

Key points

  • Rent increases: City cap: 4%; a larger increase needs a fair-return rent adjustment application approved by the City.

Each rule below links to the section of the Ojai Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Ojai's code says

Ojai code What Ojai's code adds
Floor or ceiling on the increase
  • 4%.
    Applies: An increase above 4% needs a fair-return rent adjustment application approved by the City.
    § 11-1.06 · code text
    If a landlord desires to increase the rent for a rental unit in an amount greater than allowed in Section 11-1.04
Petitions and pass-throughs
  • The landlord may apply to the City for more than 4% if the limits block a fair and reasonable return.
    Applies: An extra increase based on not getting a fair and reasonable return.
    § 11-1.06 · code text
    the landlord may file a rent adjustment application with the Community Development Department to request an increase in rent beyond the amount permitted under Section 11-1.04.
  • The landlord must prove the extra increase is needed to earn a fair and reasonable return.
    Applies: For a fair-return application.
    § 11-1.06 · code text
    A landlord shall have the burden to prove that the additional rent increase is necessary to earn a fair and reasonable return with respect to the operation of their property.
  • The director may consider capital improvements or rehab work and their costs, plus other financial and operating factors.
    Applies: For a fair-return petition.
    § 11-1.06 · code text
    The completion of any capital improvements or rehabilitation work related to the rental unit specified in the rent adjustment application, and the cost thereof, including materials, labor, construction interest, permit fees, and other items the City Manager deems appropriate;

The California rule underneath

CA state law Underneath, California law still applies. Rent cap right now: 8.6% for increases taking effect August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027 (5% plus 3.6% inflation) (Civ. Code § 1947.12(a)(1), (g)). California's statewide rent cap — the full state rule →

Who this affects

TenantsLandlordsProperty managers

Frequently asked questions

How much can rent go up in Ojai?

City cap: 4%; a larger increase needs a fair-return rent adjustment application approved by the City.

General information, not legal advice.

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