In Imperial County the statewide rent cap is 8.6% for increases starting Aug. 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027. The Attorney General’s chart lists no city or county rent-increase cap in Imperial County. We show 1 active order in our data as of Nov 13, 2026 (Tropical Storm Rachel, through Nov 14, 2026, unless extended). Always check your city’s rules too: check your local rent rules and ordinance before you raise rent or serve a notice.
| Statewide cap (AB 1482) | 8.6% for increases starting 8/1/26–7/31/27 (All other counties; see the AG chart) |
|---|---|
| Local rent caps listed by the AG | None listed |
| Emergency rent-cap orders | 1 active order in our data as of Nov 13, 2026 (Tropical Storm Rachel, through Nov 14, 2026, unless extended) (see below) |
| Superior Court | Superior Court of California, County of Imperial |
Local rent control and just-cause rules
The Attorney General’s local chart has no entry for any city or the county government in Imperial County. That does not mean there are no local tenant rules: cities can have just-cause, relocation, registry or other protections that the chart does not list.
Emergency orders affecting Imperial County
Orders below come from the emergency order tracker, last verified Nov 13, 2026.
Tropical Storm Rachel — Governor's state of emergency
- Type
- State of emergency (Penal Code § 396)
- Where
- Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego (whole counties)
- Proclaimed
- Oct 15, 2026
- Rent cap period
- Oct 15, 2026 to Nov 14, 2026
- Cap
- 10% over the pre-proclamation rent; units not rented in the prior year: 160% of HUD fair market rent
- Authority
- Penal Code § 396(e) and (f) (rental housing); proclamation of Oct. 15, 2026
What it means: Under current Penal Code 396(e), the cap covers rental housing with an initial lease term of one year or less (month-to-month included). It does not authorize rent above a stricter local rent-control limit. SB 1365 (2026), effective Jan. 1, 2027, expands the definition of housing to all rental housing regardless of initial lease term for emergencies after that date.
How the end date was determined: Cal OES's price-gouging page, checked Nov. 13, 2026, lists the rental-housing protections (Penal Code 396(e),(f)) through 11/14/2026. No extension had been announced as of Nov. 13, 2026. Protections can be extended (Pen. Code 396(g)); if they are, this end date will change.
- Penal Code 396(e) bars increasing the rental price "advertised, offered, or charged" during the period. The statute does not say how it treats a notice served during the period for an increase that takes effect after it ends, so the wizard answers conservatively (it applies the cap) and recommends consulting an attorney.
- Protections can be extended (Pen. Code 396(g)). As of Nov. 13, 2026, Cal OES lists 11/14/2026 as the end date for rental housing and no extension had been announced; check the Cal OES page for any later change.
Last verified Nov 13, 2026.
Statewide El Niño proclamation — Penal Code 396 suspended
- Type
- State proclamation (Penal Code § 396 suspended)
- Where
- Statewide
- Proclaimed
- Sep 21, 2026
- Rent cap period
- None imposed by this proclamation
- Authority
- Proclamation of Sept. 21, 2026, ¶ 18: Penal Code 396 restrictions "are suspended, and no such restrictions are imposed, with respect to this El Niño event, at this time."
What it means: Listed for information. This proclamation alone does not impose the 10% emergency rent cap.
How the end date was determined: Open-ended; the Governor could later lift the suspension ("at this time").
- The suspension applies only to the statewide El Niño proclamation, and only "at this time." Local emergency declarations can trigger their own price-gouging rules.
Last verified Nov 13, 2026.
Imperial County August 2026 monsoon — Penal Code 396 suspended
- Type
- State proclamation (Penal Code § 396 suspended)
- Where
- Imperial (whole counties)
- Proclaimed
- Nov 10, 2026
- Rent cap period
- None imposed by this proclamation
- Authority
- Proclamation of Nov. 10, 2026, ¶ 3: the Penal Code 396 restrictions "are suspended, and no such restrictions are imposed, with respect to the August 2026 Monsoon."
What it means: Listed for information. This proclamation does not impose an emergency rent cap. The separate Tropical Storm Rachel order still covers Imperial County through Nov. 14, 2026, unless extended.
How the end date was determined: Open-ended; the proclamation imposes no price-gouging restrictions for this event.
- Local emergency declarations can trigger their own price-gouging rules; check Imperial County's emergency services site.
Last verified Nov 13, 2026.
Courts and self-help
Superior Court of California, County of Imperial
Local court rules, filing information and forms.
California Courts Self-Help: landlord eviction information
Statewide guides and forms for landlords and tenants.
Housing agencies
Imperial Valley Housing Authority
Regional housing authority.
Housing Authority of the City of Calexico
City housing authority.
Assessor, recorder and county clerk
Imperial County Assessor (county directory)
Assessor’s office (BOE county directory phone listed)
(442) 265-1300
Imperial County Clerk-Recorder
Recorded documents, deeds and county clerk services
Assessor phone numbers come from the State Board of Equalization county directory.
Code enforcement
Utilities and services
See the utility directory for the main electric, gas and internet providers serving Imperial County and links for statewide providers. Water, sewer and trash vary by city; check your city’s website or your bill.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum rent increase in Imperial County?
The statewide cap is 5% plus the change in the cost of living, up to 10%. For increases starting between Aug. 1, 2026 and July 31, 2027, the Attorney General lists 8.6% for the All other counties. This applies to most rental housing more than 15 years old. Check your city for stricter local rules. Use the rent increase wizard for your date and exemptions.
Does Imperial County have rent control?
The Attorney General’s chart lists no rent-increase caps by any city or the county government in this county, but cities can have other tenant protections. Check your city.
Is there an emergency rent cap in Imperial County right now?
As of Nov 13, 2026, yes: Tropical Storm Rachel, through Nov 14, 2026, unless extended. Check the cards on this page and the official sources for any extension or new order before you raise rent.
Where do I find court forms for an eviction in Imperial County?
Start with the Superior Court of California, County of Imperial website and the Judicial Council’s landlord self-help pages. Only a court can order an eviction.
Sources
- California Attorney General: Limits on Rent Increases
- Superior Court of California, County of Imperial
- California State Board of Equalization: county assessors, auditors and clerk-recorders
- Cal OES: price gouging protections in place
- 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.