Stockton · Renting & eviction
Renting in Stockton: the rules that apply
Stockton's own rules first, then the state law underneath — with the code text for every value.
Key points
Stockton adds its own rules on eviction and just cause, relocation payments, retaliation and hotel and short-term rental tax on top of California's statewide rules. Each value below links to the section of the Stockton Municipal Code it was read from (checked October 2026).
Each rule below is marked Stockton code or CA state law and links to the section it comes from (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.
Rent increases
CA state law Stockton has no rule of its own on this, so California law 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 →
Eviction and just cause
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Also in Stockton's code: Just Cause for Eviction (Ch. 5.102). This page does not summarize it yet.
CA state law Underneath, California law still applies. Just cause required: After 12 months of lawful occupancy, the owner may terminate only for a just cause stated in the notice (Civ. Code § 1946.2(a)). Just-cause eviction in California — the full state rule →
Relocation payments
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CA state law Underneath, California law still applies. No-fault eviction relocation assistance: One month's rent (as relocation payment or rent waiver), paid within 15 calendar days of the notice (Civ. Code § 1946.2(d)(3)(A)). Relocation under California's just-cause law — the full state rule →
Notices
We found no Stockton rule on this in the Stockton Municipal Code (checked October 2026). The state rule below applies.
| Notice of a rent increase | At least 30 days' notice for an increase of 10% or less; at least 90 days for an increase of more than 10% Applies: The 10% is measured against the rent charged at any time in the 12 months before the increase, counting all increases in that period together. |
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| Notice to end a month-to-month tenancy (landlord) | 60 days' notice; 30 days if the tenant has lived there less than one year Applies: Where the unit is covered by just cause (Civ. Code § 1946.2) or a local ordinance, the notice must also state a qualifying cause. |
| Notice to end a month-to-month tenancy (tenant) | At least as long as the rental period (one month for a month-to-month tenancy) |
| 30-day notice when the unit is sold to an owner-occupant | 30 days' notice when a separately sellable unit is in escrow to a natural person who will live there for at least a year Applies: Notice within 120 days of opening escrow, given once, and all § 1946.1(d) conditions met. |
| Notice to pay rent or quit | 3 days, not counting Saturdays, Sundays and judicial holidays, stating the amount due and how to pay Applies: May be served any time within one year after the rent became due. |
| Notice to cure a lease violation or quit | 3 days, not counting Saturdays, Sundays and judicial holidays, to perform the broken lease term or leave |
| No fee for serving notices | A landlord may not charge the tenant a fee for serving or posting a notice |
Security deposits
CA state law Stockton has no rule of its own on this, so California law applies. Security deposit cap: One month's rent, on top of the first month's rent (Civ. Code § 1950.5(c)(1), (c)(6)). Deposit return deadline: 21 calendar days after the tenant moves out, with an itemized statement of any deductions (Civ. Code § 1950.5(h)(1)). California security deposit law — the full state rule →
Retaliation
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CA state law Underneath, California law still applies. Retaliation protection period: For 180 days after a tenant complains about habitability (to the landlord or an agency), the landlord may not evict, raise rent or cut services in retaliation (Civ. Code § 1942.5(a), (b)). Retaliatory eviction in California — the full state rule →
Harassment and lockouts
CA state law Stockton has no rule of its own on this, so California law applies. Lockouts and self-help eviction banned: A landlord may not change locks, remove doors or windows, or remove the tenant's belongings to force a tenant out (Civ. Code § 789.3(b)). Utility shutoffs banned: A landlord may not cut off water, heat, electricity, gas or other utilities to force a tenant out (Civ. Code § 789.3(a)). Tenant harassment and lockouts in California — the full state rule →
Repairs and habitability
CA state law Stockton has no rule of its own on this, so California law applies. Duty to keep the unit habitable: The landlord must deliver a unit fit to live in and repair conditions that make it untenantable (Civ. Code § 1941). Repair and deduct: A tenant may make a repair the landlord neglects and deduct the cost from rent, up to one month's rent, no more than twice in any 12 months (Civ. Code § 1942(a)). Habitability and repair-and-deduct — the full state rule →
Landlord entry
CA state law Stockton has no rule of its own on this, so California law applies. Landlord entry notice: Reasonable written notice, presumed to be 24 hours, and entry only during normal business hours (Civ. Code § 1954(d)(1), (e)). Landlord entry notice in California — the full state rule →
Hotel and short-term rental tax
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Other Stockton rules on this
Stockton's code also has these chapters. We have not summarized their values on this page yet; read them in the library.
- Just Cause for Eviction (Ch. 5.102)
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
How much can rent go up in Stockton?
Stockton has no local rule on this that we found (checked October 2026); state law applies: 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)).
Does a landlord in Stockton need a reason to evict?
Stockton's code: Units covered by the 2019 state Tenant Protection Act (Assembly Bill 1482), which the city adopted. (§ 5.102.010). State law: After 12 months of lawful occupancy, the owner may terminate only for a just cause stated in the notice (Civ. Code § 1946.2(a)).
Does a Stockton landlord have to pay relocation?
Stockton's code: twice the established monthly rental rate for the vacated unit or the monthly amount paid for the new unit, whichever is less (Tenant displaced by authorized City notice and order to vacate and pay relocation benefits due to unsafe or hazardous living conditions; subject to listed tenant-caused, disaster and refusal exclusions) (§ 1.52.030); reasonable and actual cost for temporary housing (up to two weeks), moving expenses, and storage of personal property (up to two weeks) (notice and order requires the tenant to move out in 72 hours or less) (§ 1.52.040). State law: One month's rent (as relocation payment or rent waiver), paid within 15 calendar days of the notice (Civ. Code § 1946.2(d)(3)(A)).
How much notice does a Stockton landlord have to give?
Stockton has no local rule on this that we found (checked October 2026); state law applies: At least 30 days' notice for an increase of 10% or less; at least 90 days for an increase of more than 10% (Civ. Code § 827(b)(2), (b)(3)(A)).
How much can a Stockton landlord charge for a security deposit?
Stockton has no local rule on this that we found (checked October 2026); state law applies: One month's rent, on top of the first month's rent (Civ. Code § 1950.5(c)(1), (c)(6)).
What is the hotel tax on short-term rentals in Stockton?
Stockton's code: 8% of the rent. (Applies to hotel stays.) (§ 3.28.030); Each operator collects the tax from every guest at the same time as the rent. (§ 3.28.040).
General information, not legal advice.
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