Despite strong opposition from the California Apartment Association, the Salinas City Council has approved a set of landlord-tenant measures, making it the first city in Monterey County to adopt rent control. These ordinances, which will take effect on Jan. 1, 2025, aim to cap rent increases and bolster eviction protections. 

The rent control ordinance limits annual rent hikes to 2.75% or 75% of the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower. It applies to multi-family units built before 1995, while single-family homes, condominiums, and newer properties are exempt. 

While Salinas is the first in the county to implement rent control, other cities have introduced eviction-related regulations influenced by California’s statewide Tenant Protection Act of 2019. However, Salinas’ combination of rent control, just-cause eviction regulations, and anti-harassment provisions is unique in the region. 

The California Apartment Association argues that the ordinance overlaps with existing statewide laws and expressed concerns about the financial burden on property owners, with program costs potentially reaching $1.8 million annually. The association also warned that housing quality could decline if landlords reduce maintenance to offset rising costs. 

The ordinances further aim to prevent unjust evictions and landlord harassment. Under the new law, landlords must provide just cause for evictions and, in certain cases, offer relocation assistance. 

Despite opposition, the measures passed after a year of public debate and are expected to influence broader discussions on rent control in California, especially as voters consider Proposition 33, which could repeal the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act.