Lemon Grove adopted a just-cause eviction ordinance (Chapter 18.52) that takes effect October 1, 2026, with some parts starting January 1, 2027. It has no separate city rent cap. Check your local rent rules and the city’s ordinance before you raise rent or serve a notice.
Does Lemon Grove have rent control?
The Attorney General’s chart of local rent-stabilization laws (read Nov 13, 2026) has no entry for Lemon Grove. The statewide cap of 5% plus the regional CPI change, up to 10%, applies to rentals that are covered by AB 1482 (8.2% in the San Diego area for increases starting between Aug. 1, 2026 and July 31, 2027). The chart covers rent caps only; it does not cover just-cause, relocation, registry or other tenant rules, so check Lemon Grove’s municipal code before you serve a notice.
What just-cause and tenant rules does Lemon Grove have?
The City’s public notice says the City Council adopted an ordinance adding Chapter 18.52 (“Just Cause Eviction”) to Title 18 of the Lemon Grove Municipal Code. The ordinance takes effect 30 days after adoption, on October 1, 2026, except for portions that do not take effect until January 1, 2027, including the requirement to file copies of no-fault termination notices with the City and the requirement that landlords give tenants notice of the ordinance and of the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 at the start and end of a lease. The notice records a 3–2 vote.
- Ordinance 475 was adopted September 1, 2026. Just cause applies after a tenant has occupied a unit for 12 months, and no-fault grounds include a demolition or substantial remodel that requires the unit to be vacated for 30 consecutive days.
- Filing with the City. Once the filing duty starts on January 1, 2027, a copy of any no-fault termination notice goes to the City within five days through the City’s online form, and the ordinance says a failure to comply voids the notice (Ch. 18.52, §§ 18.52.050 and 18.52.080).
- Relocation. The chapter sets no separate local relocation amount, so the state amount under Civ. Code § 1946.2(d) applies where the state law covers the tenancy.
Read the City Clerk’s public notice and the ordinance text the City publishes with it before serving a termination notice in Lemon Grove.
Is there an emergency rent cap in Lemon Grove right now?
The Governor’s Tropical Storm Rachel emergency (proclaimed Oct. 15, 2026) limits rent increases in San Diego County to 10% under Penal Code § 396 through Nov. 14, 2026, unless extended. It covers rental housing with an initial lease term of one year or less, including month-to-month tenancies (Cal OES price-gouging page). As of Nov 13, 2026, no extension had been announced. Check the emergency order tracker for the current status.
Where do I find Lemon Grove’s official pages?
- Lemon Grove official website: housing, code enforcement and the municipal code are linked from the city site.
- San Diego County: courts, housing agencies, assessor
- San Diego County utilities
- Rent increase wizard · Notice date calculator
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum rent increase in Lemon Grove?
For most covered rentals the statewide cap is 5% plus the regional CPI change, up to 10% (8.2% in the San Diego area for increases starting 8/1/26–7/31/27). The Attorney General’s chart lists no local cap for Lemon Grove. Use the rent increase wizard.
Do I need just cause to end a tenancy in Lemon Grove?
For most tenancies of 12 months or more (or 24 months if all adult tenants have been there less than 12), state law requires a stated just cause (Civ. Code § 1946.2). Lemon Grove adds local rules, described in the section above.
Is there an emergency rent cap in Lemon Grove now?
Possibly. Emergency price-gouging orders are county- or city-wide and change quickly. See the tracker.
Sources
- City of Lemon Grove: public notices and hearings
- California Attorney General: Limits on Rent Increases (local chart)
- California Courts Self-Help: landlord eviction information
Local ordinances change often and this page may be out of date. Check the linked official sources, your city and, for decisions that matter, a qualified California attorney. Read the disclaimer.