🌴 California Reference Guide

California Landlord-Tenant Reference Guide

A reference guide covering California residential landlord-tenant rules and requirements — security deposits, evictions, AB 1482 rent limits, and tenant rights.

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⚠️ Important: This reference guide reflects landlord-tenant statutes as of April 2026. Requirements change — always verify current information with a licensed professional in your state before taking action. This is general reference information only, not professional advice.
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Security Deposits
Tenant Protection
Maximum Amount (AB 12)
Effective July 1, 2024: Maximum security deposit is 1 month's rent for unfurnished units and 2 months' rent for furnished units (AB 12). Previous limit was 2x/3x monthly rent.
Exemption
Small landlords who own no more than 2 residential properties with a total of no more than 4 units may still charge up to 2 months rent for unfurnished units.
Return Timeline
Must be returned within 21 days after tenant vacates with itemized written statement and receipts for any work over $125. Late return = landlord liable for actual damages plus $600 penalty.
Where to Hold
CA does not require security deposits to be held in a separate account, but landlord must keep accurate records.
Pre-Move-Out Inspection
Landlord must offer tenant a pre-move-out inspection and provide itemized list of potential deductions so tenant can make repairs before leaving (CC § 1950.5).
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Rent Control & AB 1482
Tenant Protection
AB 1482 Rent Cap
Tenant Protection Act (2019): For covered units, annual rent increases capped at 5% + local CPI, maximum 10% (CC § 1947.12).
AB 1482 Coverage
Applies to most multi-family buildings 15+ years old. Exempt: SFH/condos where owner provides written notice, buildings built in last 15 years, SFH not owned by corporation.
Local Rent Control
Many CA cities have stricter local rent control: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Berkeley, Santa Monica, and others. Local rules prevail where stricter.
Rent Increase Notice
Under 10% increase: 30 days notice. 10% or more: 90 days notice (CC § 827). Both required in writing, properly served.
Relocation Assistance
AB 1482 no-fault evictions require relocation assistance equal to 1 month's rent paid to tenant before they vacate.
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Eviction & Just Cause
Tenant Protection
AB 1482 Just Cause
After 12 months of occupancy, covered tenants can only be evicted for specific 'at-fault' or 'no-fault' just cause reasons.
At-Fault Just Cause
Nonpayment of rent, lease violation (3-day cure), nuisance, illegal activity, refusing entry, subletting without permission, assignment without consent.
No-Fault Just Cause
Owner move-in, demolition, substantial remodel, withdrawal from rental market (Ellis Act). All require relocation assistance.
3-Day Notices
Pay rent or quit (3 days), cure or quit (3 days), unconditional quit (3 days for serious violations) (CCP § 1161).
30/60-Day Notices
30 days for month-to-month tenants under 1 year; 60 days for 1+ year tenants for no-fault terminations.
Unlawful Detainer
Court process for eviction. Tenant has 5 days to respond after service of summons. Illegal lockouts = actual damages + $100/day penalty minimum.
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Habitability & Repairs
Tenant Protection
Warranty of Habitability
Landlords must maintain units in habitable condition (CC § 1941). Required: effective waterproofing, working plumbing, heat, electrical, clean common areas, pest-free.
Repair & Deduct
Tenant may repair habitability defects and deduct cost from rent — up to 1 month's rent, twice per year — after notifying landlord and allowing reasonable time (CC § 1942).
Rent Withholding
Tenant may withhold rent for substantial habitability defects after giving landlord reasonable notice and time to repair.
Heat Requirement
Landlords must provide heating equipment capable of maintaining 70°F in every room.
Landlord Entry
Must provide 24 hours written notice before entry. Oral notice permitted for agreed repairs (CC § 1954). Emergency entry permitted without notice.
Mold
CA law recognizes visible mold as a substandard condition. Landlords must remediate mold affecting habitability.
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Required Disclosures
Both Parties
AB 1482 Notice
For exempt units, landlords must provide written notice of exemption at lease signing. Without this notice, the unit may be covered.
Megan's Law
All CA leases must include standard Megan's Law disclosure about sex offender database (CC § 2079.10a).
Lead Paint
Pre-1978 properties require EPA lead paint disclosure and pamphlet.
Death on Premises
Landlord must disclose any death that occurred on the property within the last 3 years — except deaths from AIDS (CC § 1710.2).
Bedbug Disclosure
Landlords must provide written bedbug information to new tenants and may not rent units with known active infestations (CC § 1954.603).
Flood Zone
As of 2024, landlords must disclose if the property is in a special flood hazard area or area of potential flooding.
Military Ordnance
If property is within 1 mile of a former military ordnance site, landlord must disclose (CC § 1940.7).
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Official State Resources
Reference Only
Official Handbooks & Guides
The following are official government and state bar resources. Leasova does not control or maintain these external links — always verify information directly with the source.

• CA Landlord/Tenant Guide 2025 (CA Dept. of Real Estate)
• CA Landlord/Tenant Rights — DRE (CA Dept. of Real Estate)
• CA Civil Code § 1940 — Landlord-Tenant (CA Legislature)

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Leasova LLC is not a law firm. AI-generated documents are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed attorney for legal guidance.