California's Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482) caps annual rent increases for most residential tenants at 5% plus the local Consumer Price Index (CPI) change, or 10%, whichever is lower. The law applies to buildings 15+ years old and most corporate-owned properties, with exemptions for single-family homes (if notice is given) and newer construction.

• Annual rent increases are capped at 5% + local CPI or 10%, whichever is lower.
• Applies to most multi-family rental properties built more than 15 years ago.
• Single-family homes are exempt only if the owner provides written notice of exemption.
• Landlords must provide 30 days' notice for increases of 10% or less, and 90 days' notice for increases over 10%.
• The law is in effect until January 1, 2030.

Under California Civil Code Section 1950.5, landlords may charge a maximum security deposit of two months' rent for unfurnished units and three months' rent for furnished units. As of July 1, 2024, the cap was reduced to one month's rent for most landlords. Deposits must be returned within 21 days of move-out, with an itemized statement of any deductions.

• Security deposit cap: 1 month's rent for most landlords (effective July 1, 2024 under AB 12).
• Landlords with no more than 2 residential rental properties (up to 4 units total) may still charge up to 2 months' rent.
• The full deposit or an itemized statement of deductions must be returned within 21 days after the tenant moves out.
• Deductions are allowed only for unpaid rent, cleaning to restore the unit to move-in condition, and repair of damage beyond normal wear and tear.
• Landlords may not charge non-refundable deposits; all deposits are refundable by law.

AB 1482 requires landlords to have 'just cause' to evict tenants who have occupied a unit for 12 months or more. Just cause is divided into 'at-fault' reasons (e.g., nonpayment of rent, lease violations) and 'no-fault' reasons (e.g., owner move-in, major renovation). No-fault evictions require relocation assistance equal to one month's rent.

• Just cause protections apply after a tenant has lived in the unit for 12 months (or all occupants have lived there 24 months for leases).
• At-fault just cause includes nonpayment of rent, breach of lease, nuisance, criminal activity, and refusal to sign a lease renewal on similar terms.
• No-fault just cause includes owner or family move-in, withdrawal from the rental market (Ellis Act), substantial remodeling, and government order to vacate.
• For no-fault evictions, landlords must provide relocation assistance of one month's rent or waive the final month's rent.
• Retaliatory and discriminatory evictions are prohibited under California Civil Code Sections 1942.5 and the Fair Employment and Housing Act.

California law implies a 'warranty of habitability' in every residential lease. Landlords must maintain rental units in a condition fit for human occupancy, including working plumbing, heating, electricity, and structural integrity. Tenants have the right to request repairs and may use remedies like 'repair and deduct' if the landlord fails to act.

• Landlords must provide and maintain: effective waterproofing, working plumbing and gas facilities, hot and cold running water, heating, electricity, clean and sanitary grounds, adequate trash receptacles, and functioning locks and security.
• Tenants must notify the landlord of needed repairs in writing. The landlord has 30 days (or less for urgent issues) to make repairs.
• If the landlord fails to repair, tenants may use 'repair and deduct' — pay for repairs themselves and deduct the cost from rent (up to one month's rent, twice per year).
• Tenants may also report violations to local code enforcement or health departments.
• Landlords may not retaliate against tenants who request repairs or report code violations.

California law requires specific notice periods for ending a tenancy, depending on how long the tenant has lived in the unit. Month-to-month tenancies require 30 days' notice if the tenant has lived there less than one year, or 60 days' notice if one year or more. Fixed-term leases end automatically but may convert to month-to-month.

• Month-to-month tenancy, less than 1 year: 30 days' written notice required from either party.
• Month-to-month tenancy, 1 year or more: tenant may give 30 days' notice; landlord must give 60 days' notice.
• Fixed-term leases expire on their end date without notice, unless the lease says otherwise.
• If a tenant stays after a fixed-term lease expires without a new agreement, the tenancy typically converts to month-to-month.
• Notice must be served properly — in person, by substituted service, or by mail (which adds additional days).

California law limits what landlords can charge for rental application screening and regulates the process. Application fees are capped and must reflect actual screening costs. Landlords must provide receipts and follow the Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act (ICRAA) when running background checks.

• Application screening fees are capped at an amount adjusted annually by CPI (approximately $55–$60 as of 2024–2025).
• Landlords must provide an itemized receipt of actual screening costs if the applicant requests one.
• If a unit is already rented or no longer available, the landlord may not charge a screening fee.
• Under ICRAA, landlords must disclose that a background check will be conducted and provide the name of the reporting agency upon request.
• Landlords cannot discriminate based on source of income (e.g., Section 8 vouchers) under the Fair Employment and Housing Act.