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Pomona Approves Permanent Rent Stabilization Ordinance Affecting Property Owners

December 11, 2025 0 Comment Category: Landlords and Tenants

On November 17, 2025, the City Council of Pomona, California, voted to adopt a permanent Rent Stabilization and Eviction Control Ordinance, which replaces the earlier temporary urgency ordinances and takes effect January 1, 2026. The vote passed with a 5‑1 Council majority. AAGLA+1

What the New Ordinance Changes

Annual Rent Increase Cap
The ordinance sets a fixed cap on annual rent increases at 5%, replacing the prior temporary limit of 4% (or CPI change, whichever was lower). The cap is not tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Pomona CA+1

Setting a fixed cap not linked to CPI means that during high inflation periods, rent increases may lag behind rising operating costs. I cannot confirm any assertion about specific future inflation outcomes without real CPI projections. Nolo

Relocation Fees
The ordinance incorporates relocation assistance fee levels originally adopted under the urgency ordinances. A cost study that was proposed to update those fees before adoption was not completed before the ordinance was passed. AAGLA

Legal and Practical Impacts for Property Owners

Limits on Revenue Growth
Because the rent increase cap isn’t tied to CPI, property owners may find limited ability to raise rents to match cost increases during inflationary periods. I cannot confirm any specific financial outcome for individual owners without their financial data. Nolo

Maintenance and Repairs
The ordinance includes relocation requirements if tenants must move due to certain major repairs or actions. The high relocation fee amounts could increase the cost of performing major system repairs if tenants must relocate first. AAGLA

No Recent Relocation Fee Study
Although the City previously indicated it would conduct a relocation cost study, no updated study was completed and the relocation fee amounts remain based on older data. AAGLA

What Property Owners Should Consider

If you manage or own rental properties in Pomona, the ordinance could affect:

• Maintenance scheduling and budgeting, especially when relocation assistance is required

• Rent setting and cash flow projections, given the fixed increase cap

• Compliance obligations, including documentation and petitions if you contest provisions of the ordinance

Support for Landlords

Legal professionals specializing in landlord‑tenant law can help with:

• Interpreting the new ordinance’s requirements

• Assessing rights and obligations under current law

• Preparing comments for future public hearings or Council sessions

Contacting a qualified attorney is advisable if you need tailored guidance.