Merced, Cal., Code of Ordinances ch. 9.75 § 9.75.020
Definitions
Operative Text
A. "At-fault just cause," as used herein, has the same definition as in California Civil Code Section l946.2(b). B. "Emergency" means the severe weather and flooding that occurred on or about January 8, 2023, which resulted in the displacement of city tenants from their rental units. C. "Immediate family" means spouse, domestic partner, children, grandchildren, parents or grandparents. D. "Landlord" means an owner of record, or lessor or sublessor of an owner of record, or any other person or entity entitled either to receive rent for the use or occupancy of any rental unit or to maintain an action for possession of a rental unit, or an agent, representative, or successor of any of the foregoing. E. "Owner of record" means a natural person, who is an owner of record holding an interest equal to or greater than thirty-three (33) percent in the property; but not including any lessor, sublessor, or agent of the owner of record. F. "Property" means a parcel of real property, located in the city of Merced, that is assessed and taxed as an undivided whole. G. "Rent" means the consideration, including any deposit, bonus, benefit, or gratuity demanded or received for, or in connection with, the use or occupancy of rental units and housing services. Such consideration shall include, but not be limited to, moneys and fair value of goods or services rendered to or for the benefit of the landlord under the rental agreement, or in exchange for a rental unit or housing services of any kind. H. "Rental agreement" means an agreement, oral, written, or implied, between a landlord and a tenant for the use and/or occupancy of a rental unit. I. "Rental unit" (aka "unit," aka "premises") means any unit in any real property, regardless of zoning status, including the land appurtenant thereto, that is rented or available for rent for residential use or occupancy (regardless of whether the unit is also used for other purposes), together with all housing services connected with use or occupancy of such property, such as common areas and recreational facilities held out for use by the tenant. J. "Tenant" means any renter, tenant, subtenant, lessee, or sublessee of a rental unit, or any group of renters, tenants, subtenants, lessees, sublessees of a rental unit, or any other person entitled to the use or occupancy of such rental unit, or any successor of any of the foregoing.
Section 9.75.020 of the Merced Code of Ordinances establishes the foundational vocabulary for the city's emergency tenant-protection ordinance, which was enacted in response to the severe weather and flooding that occurred around January 8, 2023. Key terms such as 'landlord,' 'tenant,' 'rental unit,' and 'rent' are defined broadly to capture a wide range of housing arrangements, ownership structures, and forms of compensation. The definitions set the scope of who and what is covered under Chapter 9.75, and they incorporate California Civil Code Section 1946.2(b) for the meaning of 'at-fault just cause.'
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Merced Code ch. 9.75 § 9.75.020, the term 'landlord' extends beyond the deed holder to include lessors, sublessors, agents, and successors — meaning that property managers and representatives acting on an owner's behalf are generally subject to the same obligations as the owner of record. Compliant operators typically ensure that anyone acting on their behalf understands the full scope of these definitions, since 'rent' is defined to include not just monetary payments but also goods, services, and other benefits received in connection with occupancy. Familiarity with how 'rental unit' is defined — broadly, to include units of any zoning status along with associated common areas — helps operators determine whether a given property falls within the ordinance's coverage.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 9.75.020 defines 'tenant' expansively to include renters, subtenants, lessees, sublessees, and their successors, which means a wide range of occupants may be entitled to the protections established elsewhere in Chapter 9.75. The broad definition of 'rent' — covering not just monthly payments but also deposits, bonuses, and non-monetary benefits — can be relevant when evaluating whether a particular arrangement is governed by the ordinance. Tenants who believe they fall within these definitions and have questions about their rights under Chapter 9.75 may wish to consult a local tenant-rights organization or the City of Merced for guidance.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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