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Rent Control & Tenant Rights in Marin County

Marin County has a housing crisis. Renters across the county are facing skyrocketing rents, unjust evictions, and a system that protects landlords over the people who call this place home. 

The Crisis Is Real

Evictions in Marin County rose 79% in 2024. The average renter in this county spends a disproportionate share of their income just to keep a roof over their head, leaving little room for food, healthcare, childcare, or anything else. Although Marin is one of the wealthiest counties in California, the wealth isn't reaching the working families and essential workers in our community.

What We're Fighting For

Rent Control: Rent control limits how much a landlord can raise your rent each year, keeping housing affordable and preventing displacement. Without it, landlords can hike rent by any amount, forcing long-term residents out of neighborhoods they've lived in for decades.

Just Cause Eviction Protections: Just cause eviction laws mean a landlord can't evict you without a legitimate legal reason. Right now, many Marin renters can be removed from their homes simply because a landlord wants, with no explanation required. 

Affordable Housing Investment: We need more housing that working people can actually afford to live in Marin, not luxury developments that sit half-empty while families are priced out. We support public investment in truly affordable housing at all income levels.

Know Your Rights as a Marin Renter

You have more rights than you might think, but only if you know them and assert them. Here's what every Marin renter should know:

  • Habitability: Your landlord is legally required to maintain your unit in a livable condition. Document any issues in writing and keep copies.

  • Retaliation protections: Your landlord cannot evict or raise your rent in retaliation for reporting code violations or exercising your legal rights.

  • Eviction process: Even if you receive an eviction notice, you are not required to leave immediately. You have legal rights throughout the process.

  • Local protections vary by city: Some Marin cities have stronger tenant protections than others. Know the rules in your specific city.

Facing an eviction or an unlawful rent increase? Contact Legal Aid of Marin for free legal assistance, or reach out to Marin Environmental Housing Collaborative (MEHC) for tenant resources and organizing support.

Get Involved

The housing crisis won't fix itself, and politicians won't act without pressure from organized tenants. Here's how you can help:

  • Join Marin DSA's Housing Justice Committee: our organizing team working on rent control campaigns, tenant outreach, and local policy advocacy

  • Attend a meeting: check our calendar for upcoming housing justice events and actions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Marin County have rent control? Most of Marin County does not have meaningful rent control protections. Some cities have limited tenant protections, but there is no countywide rent control ordinance. That's exactly what we're working to change.

Q: What's the difference between rent control and rent stabilization? Rent control typically caps rent at a fixed amount, while rent stabilization limits how much rent can increase annually (often tied to inflation or the Consumer Price Index). Both offer protections for renters, and Marin needs both.

Q: Can my landlord evict me if I can't afford a rent increase? In most of Marin County, yes; without just cause eviction protections, landlords can raise rent and, if you can't pay, pursue eviction. This is one of the key reasons we're organizing for stronger tenant protections.

Q: I'm being harassed or threatened by my landlord. What should I do? Document everything in writing. Contact Legal Aid of Marin for free legal help. You can also reach out to Marin DSA; we can connect you with tenant organizers and resources.

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