City of Lemon Grove Tenant Protection Ordinance

Important Update: On March 17, the Lemon Grove City Council voted to amend the existing urgency ordinance to remove the 120 Days Termination Notice requirement. SCRHA contended all along that this provision contradicts state law which rules the field on noticing periods. SCRHA will amend its Lemon Grove specific termination form accordingly. 

Additionally, the city has scheduled two Tenant Protection Workshops. This is an opportunity for owners and managers of rental property in Lemon Grove, and residents to learn more about current law and local ordinance options. More importantly, this is a chance to voice your concerns on additional local regulations (such as stricter substantial remodel requirements and additional relocation payments) and how they might impact your ability to provide rental housing. 

  • Tuesday, March 24 - 6pm - Lemon Grove Community Center, 3146 School Ln., Lemon Grove, CA 91945 
  • Thursday, April 9 - 6pm - Lemon Grove Community Center, 3146 School Ln., Lemon Grove, CA 91945

SCRHA has prepared a comprehensive guide that provides an overview of state law, local ordinances, and policy concerns as they relate to local tenant protection ordinances. 

Download the SCRHA Guide to CA Tenant Protection Act and Local Ordinances

On February 3, 2026, the Lemon Grove City Council was presented with draft Tenant Protection Ordinances, both an urgency ordinance that would go into effect right away, and a traditional ordinance. While neither draft as included in the agenda packet was approved, the Council did pass an ordinance to provide immediate protections for No-Fault Just Cause Terminations of Tenancy.  

The Urgency Ordinance that passed basically consists of existing state law (the Tenant Protection Act/AB 1482) with additional restrictions on No-Fault Terminations. The ordinance will sunset 180 days from the day of passage.  

The additional protections are:  

  • 120-Days' Notice of Termination of Tenancy for all No-Fault Causes* 

  • Relocation consisting of one month of actual rent AND one month at the HUD Small Fair Market Rent when terminating tenancy for No-Fault Cause. 

    • For persons below 80% of the county median income, persons 60 years of age or older, disabled, or households with minor children, the amount is equal to one month of actual rent AND two month's HUD Small Fair Market Rent. 

SCRHA has created a Termination of Tenancy Form specific to the Lemon Grove Urgency Ordinance, Form #424.  

Because the ordinance largely consists of the core components of the Tenant Protection Act/AB 1482 as it relates to Just Cause, properties exempt from state law are also exempt from the current Lemon Grove ordinance. More info on state law. 

*It's important to note that case law has established that state law rules the field when it comes to notice periods. Other jurisdictions have tried to extend termination notice periods only to change course. SCRHA has made city officials aware and is hopeful that the Council will amend the ordinance accordingly.  

The Council made it clear that while the ordinance is in effect, they want to conduct significant outreach to the community and gather stakeholder input so they can return at some point to craft a permanent ordinance. In addition to community workshops, they requested stakeholder meetings to include affected tenants, tenant groups, legal aid, landlords, and rental housing organizations. SCRHA has requested a seat at that table.