California

California Landlord Tenant Key Rules

Official California Forms:

 

Security Deposit

TOPIC	RULE
Security Deposit Maximum:	1x monthly rent. If agreement term is 6+ months an advance payment of 6x monthly rate minimum is allowed. Add’tnl amounts are allowed based on agreement amongst parties of upgrades, furnishings, etc. Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(c)
Security Deposit Interest:	No state-wide statute. However, certain city laws require landlords to pay interest on security deposits collected.
Separate Security Deposit Bank Account:	No statute
Non-refundable fees:	An agreement cannot state security deposits as “non-refundable”. Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(m)
Pet Deposits and Additional Fees:	No pet deposit specification. For information regarding additional fees, refer to Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(c)
Deadline for Returning Security Deposit:	21 days after tenant vacates property. Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(g)
Permitted Uses of the Deposit:	Default rent, repairs, cleaning. Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(b)
Security Deposit can be Withheld:	Yes Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(b)
Require Written Description/Itemized List of Damages and Charges:	Yes Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(g)
Receipt of Security Deposit:	No statute
Record Keeping of Deposit Withholdings:	Yes Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(g)(2)
Failure to Comply:	May subject landlord to claim damages of 2x security deposit + actual damages Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(l)

Lease, Rent & Fees:

TOPIC	RULE
Rent is Due:	Due at the end of the term if lease is less than one year. Cal. Civ. Code § 1947
Payment Methods:	Landlords shall allow tenants to pay by a form of payment that is neither cash, or electronic transfers. If an issued check has insufficient funds, the landlord may require a cash payment for 3 months maximum Cal. Civ. Code § 1947.3
Rent Increase Notice:	Landlord is required to give notice in person or mailed Cal. Civ. Code § 827
Late Fees:	No statute
Application Fees:	$30 maximum, may be adjusted based on Consumer Price Index. Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.6(b)
Prepaid Rent:	1x monthly rent. Additional amount can be collected based on agreement amongst all parties. Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(c)
Returned Check Fees:	$25 for first check and $35 for each subsequent check Cal. Civ. Code § 1719
Tenant Allowed to Withhold Rent for Failure to Provide Essential Services (Water, Heat, etc.):	No statute
Tenant Allowed to Repair and Deduct Rent:	Yes Cal. Civ. Code § 1942
Self-Help Evictions:	No statute
Landlord Allowed to Recover Court and Attorney’s Fees:	Yes Cal. Civ. Code § 789.3(d)
Landlord Must Make a Reasonable Attempt to Mitigate Damages to Lessee, including an Attempt to Re-rent:	Yes Cal. Civ. Code § 1951.2

Notices and Entry:

TOPIC	RULE
Notice to Terminate Tenancy:	60 day notice Cal. Civ. Code § 1946.1(b)
Notice to Terminate a Periodic Lease – Week-to-week:	30 day notice Cal. Civ. Code § 1946.1(c)
Notice to Terminate a Periodic Lease – Month-to-Month:	30 day notice Cal. Civ. Code § 1946.1(c)
Notice to Terminate Lease due to Sale of Property:	30 day notice Cal. Civ. Code § 1946.1(d)
Notice of date/time of Move-Out Inspection:	Yes. Should be conducted at a reasonable time and no later than two weeks before termination date. Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(f)(1)
Notice of Termination for Nonpayment:	Yes. 3 days notice to quit Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 1161(2)
Notice for Lease Violation:	Yes. 3 days notice to quit Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 1161
Required Notice before Entry:	24-hour notice required unless it’s an emergency or premises are surrendered/abandoned. Cal. Civ. Code § 1954(d)(1)
Entry Allowed with Notice for Maintenance and Repairs:	Yes Cal. Civ. Code § 1954(a)(2)
Emergency Entry Allowed without Notice:	Yes Cal. Civ. Code § 1954(a)(1)
Entry Allowed During Tenant’s Extended Absence:	Yes Cal. Civ. Code § 1954(a)(3)
Entry Allowed with Notice for Showing the Property:	Yes Cal. Civ. Code § 1954(d)(2)
Notice to Tenants for Pesticide Use:	Landlords must provide notice with pests being treated, brand of pesitice, and a notice on toxicity of pesticides if not using a professional pest control company. Cal. Civ. Code § 1940.8.5(b)(1)(A)(B)(C)
Lockouts Allowed:	No Cal. Civ. Code § 789.3(b)(1)
Utility Shut-offs Allowed:	No Cal. Civ. Code § 789.3(a)
Electronic Notices Allowed:	Allowed in certain instances like notifications for pesticide use. Cal. Civ. Code § 1940.8.5(d)(2)(b)(iii)

Disclosures

• Name and Addresses: Landlord must disclose the name and address of the person authorized to manage the premises. (Cal. Civ. Code § 1962)
• Copy of the Lease: Tenant must be given a copy of the written rental agreement. (Cal. Civ. Code § 1962)
• Domestic Violence Situations: Tenants who are victims of domestic violence may terminate the lease early with documentation. (Cal. Civ. Code § 1946.7)

Duties

Landlord’s Duties

• Compliance: Must comply with health and safety codes. (Cal. Civ. Code § 1941.1)
• Repairs: Maintain premises in habitable condition. (Cal. Civ. Code § 1941.1)
• Common Areas: Keep clean and safe. (Cal. Civ. Code § 1941.1)
• Maintenance: Working plumbing, heating, electrical, floors, and more. (Cal. Civ. Code § 1941.1)
• Garbage: Provide adequate trash receptacles. (Cal. Civ. Code § 1941.1)

Tenant’s Duties

• Cleanliness: Maintain clean premises. (Cal. Civ. Code § 1941.2)
• Trash: Properly dispose of waste. (Cal. Civ. Code § 1941.2)
• Plumbing: Keep fixtures clean. (Cal. Civ. Code § 1941.2)
• Appliances: Use responsibly. (Cal. Civ. Code § 1941.2)
• Damage: Do not damage property. (Cal. Civ. Code § 1941.2)
• Quiet Enjoyment: No excessive noise. (Cal. Civ. Code § 1927)
• Subleasing: Must follow lease agreement. (Cal. Civ. Code § 1995.230)
• Retaliation: Prohibited. (Cal. Civ. Code § 1942.5)
• Lead Disclosure: Federal requirement.