California Landlord-Tenant Law Guide
Key landlord-tenant laws in California covering security deposits, notice requirements, rent control, evictions, and maintenance obligations.
Legal Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently — verify current requirements with a local attorney. Information was last reviewed on 2026-03-19.
Security Deposits
- Maximum Amount
- 1 month’s rent maximum regardless of furnishing (effective July 1, 2024, under AB 12). Exception: landlords who own no more than 2 residential properties with a total of 4 or fewer units may charge up to 2 months’ rent (this exception does not apply to active-duty military).
- Return Deadline
- 21 calendar days after the tenant moves out. An itemized statement must accompany any deductions.
- Itemized Deduction Requirements
- Landlords must provide an itemized statement of deductions with receipts or good-faith estimates. Remaining deposit must be returned with the statement.
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Notice Requirements
- Entry Notice
- 24 hours’ advance written notice for most entries; 48 hours for move-out inspections. No notice required for emergencies.
- Lease Termination Notice
- 30 days’ notice for month-to-month tenancies under 1 year; 60 days’ notice for tenancies of 1 year or more.
- Rent Increase Notice
- 30 days’ notice for increases of 10% or less; 90 days’ notice for increases over 10%. Subject to AB 1482 rent caps where applicable.
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Rent Rules
- Rent Control
- Statewide: AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act) limits annual rent increases to 5% + local CPI (max 10%) for covered properties (buildings 15+ years old, with exemptions for single-family homes not owned by corporations). Local rent control exists in cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, and others.
- Late Fee Regulations
- No specific statutory cap, but fees must be reasonable and related to the landlord’s actual costs. Courts have struck down excessive fees.
- Payment Methods
- Landlords must allow at least one form of payment other than cash or electronic funds transfer. Cannot require exclusively electronic payments.
Rentra supports multiple payment methods and configurable late fee rules. Learn about rent collection
Eviction Process
- Notice to Quit/Cure Period
- 3-day notice to pay rent or quit for nonpayment; 3-day notice to cure or quit for lease violations; 30/60-day notice for no-fault terminations (depending on tenancy length).
- Court Filing
- Unlawful detainer lawsuit filed in Superior Court. Tenant has 5 days to respond after service. Trial typically set within 20 days of filing.
- Estimated Timeline
- Approximately 3–8 weeks for uncontested cases; contested cases can take several months.
Maintenance & Habitability
- Implied Warranty of Habitability
- Yes. California law imposes an implied warranty of habitability. Landlords must maintain rental units in a condition fit for human occupancy per Civil Code §1941.
- Repair Response Requirements
- Landlords must make repairs within a reasonable time after being notified. For urgent issues (no heat, plumbing failures), repairs should be made promptly.
- Tenant Remedies
- Repair and deduct (up to one month’s rent); withhold rent; report to local code enforcement; and in severe cases, vacate and terminate the lease.
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Lease Requirements
- Required Disclosures
- Lead-based paint disclosure (pre-1978 buildings)
- Mold disclosure (known mold presence)
- Bed bug history disclosure
- Flood zone disclosure (if applicable)
- Demolition intent disclosure (if planned within next 12 months)
- Pest control company and treatment disclosures
- Military ordnance location disclosure (if within 1 mile)
- Registered sex offender database notice (Megan’s Law)
- Smoking policy disclosure
- Lease Term Requirements
- No statutory limit on lease length. Oral leases are valid for terms under 1 year. Leases of 1 year or more must be in writing.
- Required Clauses
- No specific clauses are mandated by statute, but certain disclosures and notices must be included or provided at lease signing.
Key Statute Reference
California Civil Code §1940–1954.05
This is the primary state statute governing landlord-tenant relationships in California. For the full text, consult your state legislature's website or a legal database.
Legal Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently — verify current requirements with a local attorney. Information was last reviewed on 2026-03-19.
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