Tenant Resource Guide

California renter law

California rules for renters: deposits, rent increases, repairs, entry, leases, and eviction, with statute citations.

Tenant Rights

Your Right to Habitable Housing in CaliforniaCalifornia rentals must meet Civil Code 1941.1. If your landlord ignores a serious defect, you may repair and deduct (fixes up to one month's rent) or withhold rent.

Security Deposits

Your Security Deposit Rights in CaliforniaMost California landlords can charge at most one month's rent as a deposit, can't make any of it nonrefundable, and must refund it or itemize deductions within 21 days.

Rent Payments

Rent Payment Protections for California TenantsCalifornia's AB 1482 caps most rent increases at 5% plus inflation, never over 10%. From August 1, 2026, the cap is 8.1% to 8.8% depending on the county.

Maintenance and Repairs

Requesting Repairs in California RentalsAsk for California repairs in writing. After a reasonable time (30 days is presumed), you can repair and deduct up to a month's rent, withhold rent, or call inspectors.

Lease Agreements

Understanding Your Lease Rights in CaliforniaCalifornia landlords must give required disclosures, translate leases negotiated in five languages, and cannot enforce clauses waiving deposit, notice, or court rights.

Eviction Process

California Eviction Protections for TenantsAfter 12 months, a California renter in a covered unit can be evicted only for a reason AB 1482 lists. Notices run 3, 30, or 60 days, and you get 10 court days to answer.

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