Business, Real Estate, and Landlord Tenant Law
In late 2024 the City of Salinas enacted four (4) interrelated residential rental ordinances that together regulate rent levels, eviction standards, landlord conduct, and administrative oversight. These ordinances became enforceable and operational on January 1, 2025.
In spring of 2025 the Salinas City Council voted to repeal the ordinances, and shortly thereafter, a voter referendum petition was filed. The filing of a referendum, under California law, suspended the repeal, meaning the original ordinances remain operative until voters decide the issue.
As a result of the referendum and suspension of the repeal, landlords in the City of Salinas must continue complying with all applicable provisions, including rent increase limitations, eviction restrictions, and related requirements until the November 3, 2026, election, when Salinas voters will determine whether to repeal or retain the ordinances.
If the voters approve repeal, the ordinances will be eliminated, and landlord-tenant regulations related to rent control and eviction control will default to California state law, including the California Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482), which became law on January 1, 2020
If the voters reject the repeal, the ordinances will remain in force, and the city will continue administering rent control, just-cause eviction protections, and related programs under those ordinances.
The ordinances also have also been subject to local legal challenges regarding certain provisions being inconsistent with existing state law as well as challenges related to the referendum effort, which could affect the ordinances regardless of the election outcome.
Bottom line, until voters act in November 2026, the ordinances in the City of Salinas will remain valid and enforceable, making compliance essential for landlords and preserving protections for tenants.