How Does Rent Control
Work for Tenants in Concord?
Concord tenants gained significant new protections with the implementation of the Residential Tenant Protection Program on April 19, 2024. Codified in Chapter 19.40 of the Concord Municipal Code, this local law was created to promote housing stability, prevent unjust evictions, and limit excessive rent increases—all while ensuring that landlords receive a fair return on their investment.
If you are a renter in Concord, it’s important to understand your rights. The program provides rent stabilization, just-cause eviction protections, and relocation assistance for qualifying tenants. It also sets limits on how frequently and by how much rent can be increased, and outlines strict requirements for registration and eviction notices.
This guide breaks down which properties are covered, how the law protects you, and what legal remedies are available if your landlord violates your rights under Concord’s tenant protection laws.
Concord’s rent stabilization rules apply to:
● Multi-family buildings with two or more units that received a Certificate of Occupancy on or before February 1, 1995.
● Duplexes where neither unit is occupied by the landlord as their primary residence.
However, several types of housing are exempt from rent control in Concord, including:
● Hotels and motels;
● Emergency shelters, institutional housing, and dormitories;
● Government-owned housing;
● Shared housing where the owner lives on-site;
● Owner-occupied duplexes;
● Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs); and
● Most—but not all—single-family homes and condominiums.
For units that are covered, landlords may raise rent only once every 12 months, and the increase is limited to the lesser of 3% or 60% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
For certain Concord units, landlords may evict only for “just cause,” which falls into two categories:
● At-fault reasons: including, but not limited to, non-payment of rent; lease violations; nuisance or criminal activity; unauthorized subletting; refusal to allow inspections.
● No-fault reasons: owner or family move-in; Ellis Act withdrawal; compliance with governmental order; intent to demolish or substantially remodel.
Note: Only no-fault evictions trigger relocation payments and moving stipends.
If you live in a unit protected by just-cause eviction rules and face a no-fault eviction—such as owner move-in or building renovation—your landlord is required to provide relocation assistance. The amount depends on the type of unit and whether you fall into a protected tenant category, such as being low-income, elderly, disabled, or terminally ill.
In addition, landlords must comply with Rent Registry requirements. All covered rental units must be registered through the City’s online Rent Registry, and if an eviction notice is issued, landlords are required to submit a copy to the portal within seven days of serving the tenant.
If your landlord violates Concord’s rent control or eviction laws—or engages in certain types of harassment or unlawful behavior—you may be entitled to the following legal remedies:
● Treble Damages: Under California Civil Code § 1940.2 (for covered tenants), tenants can recover up to three times actual damages if the landlord’s conduct is willful, such as harassment, illegal eviction attempts, or utility shutoffs. Local city ordinances may permit greater or lesser damages, for covered tenants.
● Compensatory Damages: This includes financial losses (e.g., rent overcharges, relocation expenses) and emotional distress, especially in cases involving harassment, unsafe living conditions, or sudden displacement.
● Attorney’s Fees: Tenants who prevail in court may be awarded their legal fees, making it easier to pursue justice.
● Injunctive Relief: Courts can order landlords to stop unlawful actions and comply with local housing protections.
These remedies are designed to protect renters and hold landlords accountable for violating tenant rights.
If your unit does not qualify under Concord’s Tenant Protection Program, you may be covered by the California Tenant Protection Act of 2019, which caps rent increases at 5% plus CPI or 10%, whichever is less, and provides just cause eviction protections for certain properties.
Learn more about your rights by visiting our California Tenant Protection Act of 2019 guide.
Need Help Navigating Your Rights?
If you’re facing a rent increase, illegal eviction, landlord harassment, or other landlord-tenant issues, Tenant Law Group is ready to support you. As California’s leading tenant rights law firm, we specialize in defending renters and ensuring their rights are upheld. Protect your housing rights with expert guidance. Contact us today for a free case evaluation to learn more about your tenant rights in Concord.
Disclaimer: This page provides general information about landlord-tenant laws in California and is not intended as legal advice. We encourage you to consult with a qualified tenant attorney or local tenant advocacy organization for guidance specific to your situation.
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