State Landlord Laws
California Landlord
Tenant Laws
Security deposit limits, notice requirements, rent control status, and the forms you need as a California landlord.
California Landlord-Tenant Law at a Glance
AB 12 (effective July 2024) reduced the limit to 1 month's rent for unfurnished units and 2 months for furnished. Must be returned within 21 days with itemized statement.
3-day pay-or-quit notice for nonpayment. 30-day notice for tenancies under 1 year; 60-day notice for tenancies over 1 year. Just cause required for most tenancies under AB 1482.
Statewide AB 1482 caps annual increases at 5% + local CPI (max 10%) for buildings 15+ years old. Additional local rent control applies in LA, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Santa Monica, and many other cities.
- ›Mold disclosure (Civil Code § 1102.6)
- ›Bed bug disclosure (Civil Code § 1954.603)
- ›Meghna's Law sex offender database notice
- ›Flood zone disclosure (if applicable)
- ›Pest control notice (if applicable)
- ›Shared utility disclosure
- ›Lead paint disclosure (pre-1978)
- ›Prop 65 warning (if applicable)
California has one of the longest eviction processes. After the notice period, filing, and service, an unlawful detainer hearing is typically 20+ days out. Contested cases can take months.
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