California Landlord-Tenant Laws 2026

Disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws change frequently. Always verify current statutes with your state legislature or consult a licensed attorney before making legal decisions.

Security Deposit Notice Period Eviction Late Fee Lease Termination Rent Increase Habitability Landlord Entry Fair Housing

💰

Security Deposit Rules

Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5

Security deposit limited to 1 month rent (effective July 1, 2024, for most landlords). Must be returned within 21 days with itemized deductions. Landlord must provide receipts for deductions over $125.

View source statute

📧

Notice Period Requirements

Cal. Civ. Code § 1946.2

Month-to-month: 30 days notice if tenant occupied less than 1 year, 60 days if more than 1 year. Just cause eviction required under AB 1482 for covered units.

View source statute

⚖️

Eviction Process

Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 1161

Nonpayment: 3-day notice to pay or quit. Lease violation: 3-day notice to cure or quit. Just cause required for covered units (AB 1482). Court unlawful detainer required.

View source statute

💲

Late Fee Rules

Cal. Civ. Code § 1671

Late fees must be reasonable and closely approximate actual damages from late payment. Excessive late fees may be struck as penalties. Most landlords charge 5-10% but courts scrutinize reasonableness.

View source statute

📄

Lease Termination

Cal. Civ. Code § 1946.2

Fixed-term ends per lease. Month-to-month: tenant gives 30 days, landlord gives 30 or 60 days depending on tenancy length. Just cause required under Tenant Protection Act for covered units.

View source statute

📈

Rent Increase Rules

Cal. Civ. Code § 1947.12

AB 1482 Tenant Protection Act caps annual increases at 5% + local CPI or 10%, whichever is lower, for covered properties. Some exemptions for single-family homes and units built within last 15 years.

View source statute

🏠

Habitability Standards

Cal. Civ. Code § 1941

Strong implied warranty of habitability. Landlord must maintain weatherproofing, plumbing, heating, electricity, sanitation, floors/stairs/railings, locks, and pest control. Tenant can repair and deduct or withhold rent.

View source statute

🔑

Landlord Entry Rules

Cal. Civ. Code § 1954

Landlord must provide 24 hours written notice before entry (48 hours for move-out inspection). Entry only during normal business hours. Emergency entry without notice.

View source statute

🤝

Fair Housing Protections

Cal. Gov. Code § 12955

California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) is one of the most protective. Adds source of income, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, and immigration status to federal protections.

View source statute

MORE STATES

Browse landlord-tenant laws for other states.

Arizona →Arkansas →Colorado →Connecticut →

← View all 50 states + DC

California Landlord-Tenant Laws 2026

Security Deposit Rules

Notice Period Requirements

Eviction Process

Late Fee Rules

Lease Termination

Rent Increase Rules

Habitability Standards

Landlord Entry Rules

Fair Housing Protections

Get a California-compliant lease in 60 seconds