📜 State Law Guide • Updated January 2025
California Landlord Tenant Laws 2025
Everything California landlords need to know about rent control, security deposits, eviction procedures, and required notices.
5% + CPI or 10%
Max Rent Increase
1-2 months
Security Deposit
30-90 days
Rent Increase Notice
Recommended
Lease Required
California Rent Control (AB 1482)
California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) limits annual rent increases and requires just cause for evictions. It applies to most rental properties in California.
Key Provisions:
- Rent cap: Maximum increase of 5% + local CPI, or 10% total (whichever is lower)
- Just cause eviction: Required after tenant has lived in unit 12+ months
- Relocation assistance: One month rent if evicting for no-fault reasons
Exemptions: Single-family homes (with restrictions), properties built in last 15 years, owner-occupied duplexes, and properties already under local rent control.
Security Deposit Rules
Maximum Amounts
- Unfurnished: 1 month rent
- Furnished: 2 months rent
Return Requirements
- Timeline: 21 days after move-out
- Itemization: Required for any deductions
Notice Requirements
| Notice Type | Time Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent Increase (≤10%) | 30 days | Written notice required |
| Rent Increase (>10%) | 90 days | Written notice required |
| Termination (Month-to-Month, <1 year) | 30 days | No-fault just cause may apply |
| Termination (Month-to-Month, 1+ year) | 60 days | Just cause required under AB 1482 |
| Pay or Quit (Non-payment) | 3 days | Must offer payment plan in some cases |
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