California Rental Laws
Your Guide to California Rental Laws with helpful links and information for leases, rent, security deposits, tenant screening, real estate and government.
Official Website of the State of California
The United States Census Bureau estimates that the population of California was 38,802,500 on July 1, 2014, a 4.16% increase since the 2010 United States Census.
The State of California has 58 counties
State Rules and Regulations
- Keys Laws Landlords and Tenants Need to Know
- California Residential Landlord and Tenant Guide
- Local Tenant Rights, Laws, and Protections
- California Landlord Tenant Handbook
Important Lease Terms
Security Deposits
- Amount: 2 Months unfurnished. 3 Months furnished
- Return Deadline: 21 Days
Fees and Notice
Applications Fees: $44.51 in Year 2012, subject to CPI
Termination Notice: 3 Days
Tenant Rights to Withhold Rent: Can repair and deduct but not more than 1 month’s rent
Landlord Disclosures
- California Required Landlord Disclosures
- The Lead Disclosure Rule: Federal law requires that before signing a lease for housing built before 1978, renters must receive The Lead Based Paint EPA Disclosure and Lead Based Paint EPA Pamphlet
Real Estate Links
- California Bureau of Real Estate
- California Verify Real Estate Agent License
- Nationwide and Canada Verify Real Estate Agent License
Federal Government
- Fair Credit Reporting Act: Federal Government legislation which promotes the accuracy, fairness, and privacy of consumer information contained in the files of consumer reporting agencies.
- Fair Housing Act: The Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination when they are renting, buying, or securing financing for any housing. The prohibitions specifically cover discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability and the presence of children
Credit Reports
Tenant Screening
- Counties covered: Alameda ,Alpine ,Amador ,Butte ,Calaveras ,Colusa ,Contra Costa ,Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno ,Glenn, Humboldt ,Imperial ,Inyo ,Kern ,Kings ,Lake ,Lassen ,Los Angeles, Madera, Marin ,Mariposa, Mendocino ,Merced ,Modoc ,Mono ,Monterey ,Napa ,Nevada ,Orange, Placer Plumas, Riverside, Sacramento ,San Benito ,San Bernardino ,San Diego ,San Francisco ,San Joaquin ,San Luis Obispo ,San Mateo ,Santa Barbara ,Santa Clara ,Santa Cruz ,Shasta ,Sierra, Siskiyou ,Solano ,Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter ,Tehama ,Trinity ,Tulare ,Tuolumne ,Ventura, Yolo, Yuba
- Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Options for Tenant Screening Packages and Prices
Last Updated: April 7, 2020