Tenant Protections Ordinance

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Program Overview

The Novato City Council adopted a Tenant Protections Ordinance (“Ordinance”) on April 28, 2026, as part of implementing its state mandated 6th Cycle Housing Element and Program 5.I “Consider expanding just cause eviction protections to all tenants.” The ordinance, as adopted, supersedes the State’s Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482) and went into effect on May 28, 2026.

State vs. NMC 4-17 (English/Spanish) shows comparison between state law and NMC 4-17.

Following an extensive series of public workshops and study sessions, the Council adopted Ordinance No. 1731, adding Section 4-17 to the Novato Municipal Code (“NMC”). The Ordinance maintains state-law protections for landlords in the areas of owner move in, withdrawal from the market and at-fault evictions; while also expanding noticing, relocation assistance and the right of return protections for tenants displaced due to no-fault substantial renovation evictions or a government order to vacate (aka “Red-Tag”).

Applicability & Exemptions

The Ordinance applies to all tenants and tenant households in the City of Novato on the first day of the term of their rental agreements.

Applicable unit types include most multi-family residential rentals, including apartment units, single room occupancy units (SROs), older units as well as units newer than 15 years old, deed restricted affordable units, and even applicable units that are not legally permitted, unless specifically exempted.

Exemptions include Single‑family homes, single condominium units and individual mobile homes located on a single parcel, and owned by individuals (not corporations/REITs); Owner‑occupied single-family homes (renting no more than two rooms) and mobile homes; and ADUs/JADUs attached to an owner‑occupied home.

For a full list of applicable units and exemptions see NMC Section 4-17.3.A and B.

The rental unit MUST be located within the City Limits of Novato to be applicable.
Please use the Marin Map Viewer - Jurisdiction Look Up Tool to confirm the jurisdiction of the rental unit. Type in the address and confirm that “Jurisdiction” identifies the site as “Novato” and not “Unincorporated”. Unincorporated properties are not subject to NMC 4-17..

Key Requirements in Effect Immediately

Landlords must provide a written Notice of Tenant Rights:

Within 90 days of the Ordinance taking effect
At lease signing and at renewal
With any rent increase or change in terms
When listing the property for sale
Within 30 days of acquiring the property
Must be in English and Spanish (and other languages upon request)

A Summary of Tenants Rights is provided by the City for landlords to use to comply with this requirement.

Summary of Tenants Rights (English)
Summary of Tenants Rights (Spanish)

Failure to provide this notice will render any change in terms or eviction notice invalid. See NMC Section 4-17.4 for details. Special noticing required for no-fault evictions related to Substantial Renovations, Owner Move-In, and Withdrawal from the Rental Market is detailed in NMC Section 4-17.7.

Within 10 days of service, landlords must provide an electronic PDF copy of the Notice of Termination to the City of Novato’s Community Development Department

Send Notice to CodeEnforcement@novato.gov and include the address of the unit and date of termination in the document’s title (eg. 1305 Leafwood Unit 5_6-2-2026).

See NMS Section 4-17.6 for full details for contents, timing, and language requirements.

Landlord & Tenant Support Tools

To assist with your understanding and compliance with the City’s Tenant Protection Ordinance, tenant and landlord educational and support materials are available below.

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about the adopted Tenant Protections Ordinance are available below. For additional questions or comments regarding the Ordinance, please email housingelement@novato.gov

You are also welcome to attend any of the following on-line drop-in Q&A sessions listed below to learn more about the Ordinance.

Frequently Asked Questions (English & Spanish)

Upcoming Q&A Sessions

DATE & LOCATION	DETAILS
Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 3pm to 4pm Tenant Protection Ordinance (Ordinance Q&A Workshop) Zoom Teleconference Meeting	City staff will host an online, drop-in open session to answer questions about the ordinance. All are welcome to attend and participate in the meeting. This meeting will be virtual (remote), and the meeting can be accessed via the Zoom meeting link in the column to the left.
Thursday, June 4, 2026, 3pm to 4pm Tenant Protection Ordinance (Ordinance Q&A Workshop) Zoom Teleconference Meeting	City staff will host an online, drop-in open session to answer questions about the ordinance. All are welcome to attend and participate in the meeting. This meeting will be virtual (remote), and the meeting can be accessed via the Zoom meeting link in the column to the left.
Thursday, June 11, 2026, 5pm to 6pm Tenant Protection Ordinance (Ordinance Q&A Workshop - Bilingual) Zoom Teleconference Meeting	City staff will host an online, drop-in open session to answer questions about the ordinance. All are welcome to attend and participate in the meeting. This meeting will be virtual (remote), and the meeting can be accessed via the Zoom meeting link in the column to the left.
More sessions may be added, depending on interest.

DATE & LOCATION

DETAILS

Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 3pm to 4pm

Tenant Protection Ordinance

(Ordinance Q&A Workshop)

Zoom Teleconference Meeting

City staff will host an online, drop-in open session to answer questions about the ordinance. All are welcome to attend and participate in the meeting. This meeting will be virtual (remote), and the meeting can be accessed via the Zoom meeting link in the column to the left.

Thursday, June 4, 2026, 3pm to 4pm

Tenant Protection Ordinance

(Ordinance Q&A Workshop)

Zoom Teleconference Meeting

Thursday, June 11, 2026, 5pm to 6pm

Tenant Protection Ordinance

(Ordinance Q&A Workshop - Bilingual)

Zoom Teleconference Meeting

More sessions may be added, depending on interest.

Background Information

Tenant Protections - Housing Element Implementation in Action

The City’s revised General Plan Housing Element (6th Cycle, 2023-2031) was adopted by the City Council on May 7, 2024. The Housing Element includes policies and programs intended to facilitate the production, protection, and preservation of housing in the City of Novato. In many instances, it is necessary to amend the City’s Municipal Code with new local ordinances to implement programs and/or to respond to policy direction set forth by the Novato City Council.

Accordingly, staff processed a Draft Tenant Protections Ordinance to implement Housing Element Program 5.I and respond to the Council’s policy direction provided to staff at a May 20, 2025, Study Session on anti-displacement and a August 26, 2025 Study Session on a draft framework for a local “just cause” and tenant protections ordinance.

Program 5.I: Expand “just cause” eviction protections to all tenants

AB 1482, also known as the California Tenant Protections Act of 2019, is a statewide law that limits rent increases and requires "just cause" for eviction in many residential rental properties in California. It caps annual rent increases at 5% plus the percentage change in the cost of living (local Consumer Price Index), up to a maximum of 10%. Landlords must also have a valid "just cause" reason to terminate a tenancy for tenants who have occupied a unit for more than one year. Housing Element Program 5.I directs the City to consider a local just cause ordinance that expands tenant protections to include all rental units in Novato (with some exceptions), require tenant notifications, and provide clarifications regarding “just cause” and “no-fault” eviction procedures and requirements.

Novato City Council Anti-Displacement Study Session (May 20, 2025)

On May 20, 2025, the Council held a study session in response to the Rooted in Marin Anti-Displacement Strategies Report that had been presented at their May 13th meeting, to lessons learned from a red tag and tenant displacement event that transpired in the Northwest Quad of the City, and a status update on the Housing Element’s implementation plan and its anti-displacement program elements. Following the staff presentation and Council discussion, the Council directed staff to return by August 2025 with a Tenant Protections Ordinance. The Council expressed interest in adopting an ordinance to comply state law, implement Housing Element Program 5.I, and expand tenant protection requirements to include no-fault evictions due to red-tag, repair, rehab, and demolitions; and provisions for relocation assistance and right of return.

Novato City Council “Just Cause” Tenant Protections Ordinance Study Session (August 26, 2025)

On August 26, 2025, following a series of public outreach meetings, the Council held a Study Session to consider whether or not to pursue a local tenant protections ordinance. Following the staff presentation, public comments and Council discussion, the Council directed staff to return in early 2026 with a Draft Tenant Protections Ordinance that would balance the interests of both landlords and tenants. The Council expressed interest in keeping current protections landlords enjoy for at fault evictions in compliance with current state law, but to expand tenant protections for no-fault evictions, such as when temporary or permanent displacements occur due to substantial remodels and/or a government order to vacate (aka “Red-Tag”) due to substandard habitability conditions. Council also requested that the ordinance include provisions for temporary relocation financial assistance and a right of return, particularly for displaced tenants in those specific circumstances.

Draft Tenant Protections Ordinance Public Outreach (March 2026)

Ahead of the Novato City Council's public hearing on the Draft Ordinance, staff engaged in a series of public workshops and collected public feedback. Below are links to the outreach presentation and supportive materials used during this phase of the process.

View Presentation - English Ver la Presentación - Español

View the DRAFT Tenant Protections Ordinance - English
View the DRAFT Tenant Protections Ordinance - Spanish Translation
Frequently Asked Questions (English | Spanish)
View At-Fault Just Cause Termination Overview (English | Spanish)
View No-Fault Substantial Remodel Tenant Relocation Overview (English | Spanish)
View No-Fault Government Order to Vacate Tenant Relocation Overview (English | Spanish)

City Council Public Hearing – Ordinance Adoption (March 24, 2026)

On March 24, 2026, the Novato City Council held a public hearing and considered adoption of a Draft Tenant Protections Ordinance. Below are links to the staff presentation and Staff Recommended Red-Lined Draft Ordinance and packet supportive materials. Following the public hearing the Council voted 3-0 to adopt the Staff Recommended Draft with a few modifications, including the addition of an exemption for owner occupied and single unit individually owned rental properties.

Prior Meetings and Workshops

Date, time & location	Details
March 2, 2026, at 6pm Tenant Protection Ordinance (Property Owner, Landlord, and Property Representative Meeting) Zoom Teleconference Meeting	City staff will host an informational meeting and make a presentation intended for property owners, landlords, and property managers. All are welcome to attend and participate in the meeting. This meeting will be virtual (remote), and the meeting can be accessed via the Zoom meeting link in the column to the left.
March 3, 2026, at 3pm Tenant Protection Ordinance (Tenants and Tenant Advocates Meeting) Zoom Teleconference Meeting	City staff will host an informational meeting and make a presentation intended for tenants and tenant advocates. All are welcome to attend and participate in the meeting. This meeting will be virtual (remote), and the meeting can be accessed via the Zoom meeting link in the column to the left.
March 3, 2026, at 6pm Tenant Protection Ordinance (Tenants and Tenant Advocates Meeting with Spanish language translation presentation) In Person: Lu Sutton Elementary Multipurpose Room 1800 Center Rd. Novato, CA 94947 ----------------- March 3, 2026, at 6pm Ordenanza de Proteccion al Inquilino (Reunion de Inquilinos y Defensores) Presentacion con traduccion al espanol En persona: Lu Sutton Elementary Multipurpose Room 1800 Center Rd. Novato, CA 94947	City staff will host an in-person informational meeting intended for tenants and tenant advocates. A presentation will be in English and Spanish. All are welcome to attend and participate in the meeting. --------------------- El personal de la Ciudad organizará una reunión informativa en persona dirigida a los inquilinos y defensores de los inquilinos. La presentación será en inglés y español. Todos son bienvenidos a asistir y participar en la reunión.
March 10, 2026, at 10am Tenant Protection Ordinance (League of Women Voters Land Use and Housing Committee Meeting) Zoom Teleconference Meeting	City staff will be making a presentation to the League of Women Voter’s Land Use and Housing Committee. More information regarding this virtual (remote) meeting is available at the webpage linked in this column.
March 11, 2026, at 5pm Tenant Protection Ordinance (Novato Housing and Homeless Committee) In Person: City Administrative Offices, 922 Machin Ave	City staff will be making a presentation to the Novato Housing and Homeless Committee. The meeting agenda will be posted at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting time at the Novato Housing and Homeless Committee webpage.
March 24, 2026, at 6pm Tenant Protection Ordinance (Novato City Council Meeting - Public Hearing) In Person: Novato City Hall, 901 Sherman Avenue	The Novato City Council will hold a study session to discuss key policy provisions for inclusion in a Tenant Protection Ordinance. The meeting agenda will be posted at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting time at the City Council Agendas and Minutes webpage.

Date, time & location

Details

March 2, 2026, at 6pm

Tenant Protection Ordinance

(Property Owner, Landlord, and Property Representative Meeting)

Zoom Teleconference Meeting

City staff will host an informational meeting and make a presentation intended for property owners, landlords, and property managers. All are welcome to attend and participate in the meeting. This meeting will be virtual (remote), and the meeting can be accessed via the Zoom meeting link in the column to the left.

March 3, 2026, at 3pm

Tenant Protection Ordinance

(Tenants and Tenant Advocates Meeting)

Zoom Teleconference Meeting

City staff will host an informational meeting and make a presentation intended for tenants and tenant advocates. All are welcome to attend and participate in the meeting. This meeting will be virtual (remote), and the meeting can be accessed via the Zoom meeting link in the column to the left.

March 3, 2026, at 6pm

Tenant Protection Ordinance

(Tenants and Tenant Advocates Meeting with
Spanish language translation presentation)

In Person:

Lu Sutton Elementary Multipurpose Room
1800 Center Rd. Novato, CA 94947

-----------------

March 3, 2026, at 6pm

Ordenanza de Proteccion al Inquilino (Reunion de Inquilinos y Defensores)

Presentacion con traduccion al espanol

En persona:

Lu Sutton Elementary Multipurpose Room
1800 Center Rd. Novato, CA 94947

City staff will host an in-person informational meeting intended for tenants and tenant advocates. A presentation will be in English and Spanish. All are welcome to attend and participate in the meeting.
---------------------
El personal de la Ciudad organizará una reunión informativa en persona dirigida a los inquilinos y defensores de los inquilinos. La presentación será en inglés y español. Todos son bienvenidos a asistir y participar en la reunión.

March 10, 2026, at 10am

Tenant Protection Ordinance

(League of Women Voters Land Use and Housing Committee Meeting)

Zoom Teleconference Meeting

City staff will be making a presentation to the League of Women Voter’s Land Use and Housing Committee. More information regarding this virtual (remote) meeting is available at the webpage linked in this column.

March 11, 2026, at 5pm
Tenant Protection Ordinance

(Novato Housing and Homeless Committee)

In Person:

City Administrative Offices, 922 Machin Ave

City staff will be making a presentation to the Novato Housing and Homeless Committee. The meeting agenda will be posted at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting time at the Novato Housing and Homeless Committee webpage.

March 24, 2026, at 6pm

Tenant Protection Ordinance

(Novato City Council Meeting - Public Hearing)

In Person:

Novato City Hall, 901 Sherman Avenue

The Novato City Council will hold a study session to discuss key policy provisions for inclusion in a Tenant Protection Ordinance. The meeting agenda will be posted at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting time at the City Council Agendas and Minutes webpage.

Background – Prior Public Engagement

In addition to the Council study sessions, the City held the following engagement opportunities to inform the Draft Ordinance:

Date, time & location	Details
August 4, 2025, at 6pm Tenant Protection Ordinance (Property Owner, Landlord, and Property Representative Meeting) Zoom Teleconference Meeting	City staff will host an informational meeting and make a presentation intended for property owners, landlords, and property managers. All are welcome to attend and participate in the meeting. This meeting will be virtual (remote), and the meeting can be accessed via the Zoom meeting link in the column to the left.
August 5, 2025, at 3pm Tenant Protection Ordinance (Tenants and Tenant Advocates Meeting) Zoom Teleconference Meeting	City staff will host an informational meeting and make a presentation intended for tenants and tenant advocates. All are welcome to attend and participate in the meeting. This meeting will be virtual (remote), and the meeting can be accessed via the Zoom meeting link in the column to the left.
August 5, 2025, at 6pm Tenant Protection Ordinance (Tenants and Tenant Advocates Meeting) Spanish language translation presentation Lu Sutton Elementary Multipurpose Room 1800 Center Rd. Novato, CA 94947 ----------------- August 5, 2025, at 6pm Ordenanza de Proteccion al Inquilino (Reunion de Inquilinos y Defensores) Presentacion con traduccion al espanol Lu Sutton Elementary Multipurpose Room 1800 Center Rd. Novato, CA 94947	City staff will host an in-person informational meeting intended for tenants and tenant advocates. A presentation will be in English and Spanish. All are welcome to attend and participate in the meeting. --------------------- El personal de la Ciudad organizará una reunión informativa en persona dirigida a los inquilinos y defensores de los inquilinos. La presentación será en inglés y español. Todos son bienvenidos a asistir y participar en la reunión.
August 12, 2025, at 10am Tenant Protection Ordinance (League of Women Voters Land Use and Housing Committee Meeting) Zoom Teleconference Meeting	City staff will be making a presentation to the League of Women Voter’s Land Use and Housing Committee. More information regarding this virtual (remote) meeting is available at webpage linked in this column.
August 13, 2025, at 5pm Tenant Protection Ordinance (Housing and Homeless Committee) Novato City Hall, 901 Sherman Avenue	City staff will be making a presentation to the Novato Housing and Homeless Committee. The meeting agenda will be posted at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting time at the Novato Housing and Homeless Committee webpage.
August 18, 2025 To be determined (TBD)	To be determined (TBD)
August 19, 2025, at 4pm Tenant Protection Ordinance Information Booth Novato Farmer’s Market Sherman Ave between Grant Ave and De Long Ave, Novato	City staff will be available to answer questions regarding the draft Tenant Protection Ordinance that is scheduled to be presented to the City Council at a public hearing on August 26, 2025, at 6:00 PM.
August 26, 2025, at 6pm Tenant Protection Study Session City Council Meeting Novato City Hall, 901 Sherman Avenue	The Novato City Council will hold a study session to discuss key policy provisions for inclusion in a Tenant Protection Ordinance. The meeting agenda will be posted at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting time at the City Council Agendas and Minutes webpage.

Date, time & location

Details

August 4, 2025, at 6pm

Tenant Protection Ordinance (Property Owner, Landlord, and Property Representative Meeting)

Zoom Teleconference Meeting

August 5, 2025, at 3pm

Tenant Protection Ordinance (Tenants and Tenant Advocates Meeting)

Zoom Teleconference Meeting

August 5, 2025, at 6pm

Tenant Protection Ordinance (Tenants and Tenant Advocates Meeting)
Spanish language translation presentation

Lu Sutton Elementary Multipurpose Room
1800 Center Rd. Novato, CA 94947

-----------------

August 5, 2025, at 6pm

Ordenanza de Proteccion al Inquilino (Reunion de Inquilinos y Defensores)

Presentacion con traduccion al espanol

Lu Sutton Elementary Multipurpose Room
1800 Center Rd. Novato, CA 94947

---------------------

El personal de la Ciudad organizará una reunión informativa en persona dirigida a los inquilinos y defensores de los inquilinos. La presentación será en inglés y español. Todos son bienvenidos a asistir y participar en la reunión.

August 12, 2025, at 10am

Tenant Protection Ordinance (League of Women Voters Land Use and Housing Committee Meeting)

Zoom Teleconference Meeting

City staff will be making a presentation to the League of Women Voter’s Land Use and Housing Committee. More information regarding this virtual (remote) meeting is available at webpage linked in this column.

August 13, 2025, at 5pm
Tenant Protection Ordinance (Housing and Homeless Committee)

Novato City Hall, 901 Sherman Avenue

August 18, 2025
To be determined (TBD)

To be determined (TBD)

August 19, 2025, at 4pm

Tenant Protection Ordinance
Information Booth
Novato Farmer’s Market

Sherman Ave between Grant Ave and De Long Ave, Novato

City staff will be available to answer questions regarding the draft Tenant Protection Ordinance that is scheduled to be presented to the City Council at a public hearing on August 26, 2025, at 6:00 PM.

August 26, 2025, at 6pm

Tenant Protection Study Session

City Council Meeting

Novato City Hall, 901 Sherman Avenue

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