California is not an easy place to navigate landlord-tenant relationships, thanks to the state’s intense and complex rental laws. These laws aim to balance the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants while protecting housing security and acceptable procedures.

If you are a landlord managing multiple properties, a tenant renting a home, or a property manager who oversees compliance, it is vital to understand these laws. This guide will outline some important aspects of California landlord-tenant laws that can help you protect your interests and build positive rental experiences.

Understanding Rental Agreements in California 

A rental agreement is the foundation of the landlord-tenant relationship, legally binding both parties to specific terms. 

Essential Elements of a Rental Agreement 

Rental agreements in California must meet the following requirements:

• Identification Of The Parties: Names And Contact Information Of Landlord And Tenant(s)
• Rental Property Information: Location, Address, and Unit Number
• Terms of rent: Amount of rent, due date, accepted payment methods, and late payment policies.
• Lease term: Whether the lease is fixed-term or month-to-month, with applicable start and end dates.
• Details about security deposit: amount, what landlord is allowed to use security deposit for, and how long landlord has to return according to California Civil Code Section 1950.5.
• House rules and policies Expectations for conduct, maintenance, and property use.
• Mandatory disclosures: Lead paint, mold, shared utilities, etc. (required by law)

A well-detailed, clear contract not only protects the rights of landlords on the one hand but, on the other hand, provides the best compromise for both parties, reducing the cause of disputes. Getting a template compliant with California laws, which can be found online, or getting a legal adviser to draft the agreements can keep a business law compliant.

Landlord Responsibilities 

California’s landlords have several responsibilities, such as maintaining habitable tenant living conditions. 

Habitable Living Environment 

Landlords must provide and maintain a rental property that meets basic habitability standards under California Civil Code Section 1941 and must provide:

• Operating plumbing, heating, and electrical systems.
• Good weatherproofing, like no-leak roofs and tight windows.
• Appropriate sanitation, pest control, and trash disposal methods

Failing to meet these obligations may lead to legal penalties or remedies for tenants, such as withholding rent.

Required Disclosures 

Landlords must also provide key information when or before you start the lease, including:

• Disclosure of lead-based paint for homes built before 1978.
• Mold Risk Notification when mold is found at concentrations that may affect health.
• Keep things simple, utility sharing (shared resources (e.g., electricity))

Ensure compliance with the law and build trust through transparency of disclosure.

Tenant Rights 

California tenants enjoy numerous legal protections to ensure safety, fairness, and a habitable living environment. 

Right to a Habitable Home 

Tenants are entitled to a safe, functional, and hazard-free rental unit. If landlords fail to resolve habitability issues:

• Rent withholding is allowed for critical, unresolved repairs. 
• “Repair and deduct” enables tenants to make necessary repairs and deduct costs from their rent (restricted to two repairs annually). 

Protection from Retaliation 

Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for filing complaints about unsafe conditions or exercising their legal rights, such as withholding rent for repairs. 

Tenants should document all incidents and communications in case disputes escalate. 

Rent and Security Deposit Regulations 

Ensuring transparency in rent payments and security deposits is essential to preventing disputes. 

Rent Rules and Restrictions 

Payable terms: Rental contracts should outline when payments are due, how you should submit them, and the repercussions of late payments.

Rent control cap (under the California Tenant Protection Act, AB 1482): Annual increases are limited to 5% plus inflation, or 10%, whichever is less.

Notice for increases:

• 30 days for sub-10% increases.
• 60 days in cases of increases over 10%.

And for properties covered by local rent control ordinances in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, landlords must follow even stricter rules.

Security Deposit Regulations 

Under California Civil Code Section 1950.5, landlords are required to follow these limits:

• The maximum deposit is two months’ rent for unfurnished homes and three months for furnished units.
• Security deposits can cover overdue rent cleaning and damages beyond normal wear and tear.
• Refunds and itemized statements for deductions must be sent within 21 days of the tenant leaving.

Eviction Laws and Procedures 

California requires landlords to follow a strict, lawful eviction process, as outlined in California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1161. 

Legal Grounds for Eviction 

Evictions are permitted for reasons such as:

• Non-payment of rent. 
• Violations of lease terms (e.g., unauthorized pets or subletting). 
• Illegal activities on the property. 

Steps in the Eviction Process 

1. Notice: Serve written notice indicating the reason for eviction:

• Three days to pay rent or vacate for non-payment.
• Days to Cure Breaches of Lease — 3.
• 30 or 60 days to move out for month-to-month tenants.

2. If the tenant refuses to do so, file an unlawful detainer lawsuit.
3. Get a judgment for eviction at a court hearing.
4. If the tenant refuses to vacate, carry possession via a sheriff’s order.

Tenants affected by illegal evictions can seek relief by filing a complaint or lawsuit.

Landlord’s Right to Enter the Property 

California Civil Code Section 1954 affects when and how landlords can access their rental properties.

Notice Requirements

• Written notice at least 24 hours prior is typically required for non-emergency entry (i.e., maintenance).
• Please notify us of the reason, date , and time for entry.

Emergency Exceptions

• Landlords can also enter without notice in emergencies like leaks or fires that threaten tenant safety or property integrity.

Resources for Landlords and Tenants 

Navigating legal challenges may require additional guidance. These resources can help:

• California Department of Consumer Affairs (Landlord-Tenant Rights & Duties)
• California Courts Self-Help Center (Legal forms and guides)
• HUD (Fair Housing Assistance)
• Legal Aid Organizations for mediation and low-cost assistance. 

Know Your Rights, Protect Your Interests 

The relationship between landlord and tenant in California is governed by detailed laws designed to ensure fairness and safe housing. Knowledge of these laws is essential whether you are drafting a lease, dealing with repairs, or paying a security deposit.

If you need tailored support, contact Viqsa for expert advice. Protect your rights, communicate clearly, and comply with California’s detailed landlord-tenant laws.

If you found this helpful guide, please share it with others or comment below with your thoughts and experiences!

FAQs for California Landlord-Tenant Law Guide 2025

1. What are the essential elements that must be included in a California rental agreement?

A rental agreement in California must include the names and contact information of both parties, property details, terms of rent, lease duration, security deposit details, house rules, and mandatory disclosures.

2. What responsibilities do landlords have to ensure a habitable living environment?  

Landlords must maintain working plumbing, heating, and electrical systems, ensure proper sanitation and pest control, and provide weatherproofing to keep the property safe and functional.

3. Can tenants withhold rent if their landlord fails to make necessary repairs?

Yes, tenants can withhold rent for critical unresolved repairs or utilize the “repair and deduct” option to make repairs and deduct costs from their rent, limited to two repairs per year.

4. What are the maximum limits for security deposits in California?

The maximum security deposit is two months’ rent for unfurnished units and three months for furnished ones. Landlords must return the deposit within 21 days after the tenant vacates, along with an itemized list of deductions.

5. What legal grounds can a landlord use to evict a tenant in California?  

Landlords can evict tenants for non-payment of rent, violations of lease terms, or illegal activities on the property.

6. What notice is required before a landlord can enter a rental property?  

Generally, landlords must provide at least 24 hours written notice before entering a rental property for non-emergency reasons, specifying the reason, date, and time of entry.

7. Are there specific rent control laws in California?

Yes, under the California Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482), annual rent increases are capped at 5% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lower, with specific notice requirements based on the increase amount.

8. Where can landlords and tenants find resources for legal guidance in California?

Helpful resources include the California Department of Consumer Affairs for landlord-tenant rights, the California Courts Self-Help Center for legal forms and guides, and various legal aid organizations for mediation and assistance.