Not legal advice. This is a free reference compiled from official government sources. Laws change and local details matter. Confirm every deadline with the official source or a licensed attorney before you rely on it.
Last verified: · Confidence: high
California landlord deadlines
Statewide rules for California. Cities and counties can add their own rules. Statutes and agency pages: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.
Itemized statement and deposit refund within 21 days after the tenant moves out Verified
Deadline: Within 21 days after move-out
No later than 21 calendar days after the tenant vacates, send an itemized statement of deductions and return the rest of the deposit. Deductions over $125 need copies of receipts/invoices (or a description of the work and hourly rate), and photos if you deduct for repairs or cleaning.
"the landlord shall furnish the tenant, a copy of an itemized statement indicating the basis for, and the amount of, any security received and the disposition of the security, and shall return any remaining portion of the security to the tenant" leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
"The deductions for repairs and cleaning together do not exceed one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125)." leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Notes: Civ. Code §1950.5(h). If repairs cannot be finished in 21 days, a good-faith estimate may be used, with final documents within 14 days of completion (§1950.5(h)(3)). Bad-faith retention can cost up to twice the deposit (§1950.5(m)). If you received the deposit or rent electronically, return it electronically unless agreed otherwise.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Photograph the unit at move-in (tenancies from July 1, 2025) and after move-out, before and after repairs Verified
Deadline: When the lease starts
Take photos of the unit immediately before or at the start of each tenancy, again within a reasonable time after the tenant returns possession (before repairs or cleaning you will deduct for), and after those repairs are done. Photos must accompany any repair or cleaning deduction.
Who it covers: Move-in photos: tenancies beginning on or after July 1, 2025. Move-out photos: since April 1, 2025.
"For tenancies that begin on or after July 1, 2025, the landlord shall take photographs of the unit immediately before, or at the inception of, the tenancy." leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
"Beginning April 1, 2025, the landlord shall take photographs of the unit within a reasonable time after the possession of the unit is returned to the landlord, but prior to any repairs or cleanings" leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Notes: Civ. Code §1950.5(g) and (h)(2)(D) (AB 2801). Also after possession is returned (before any repairs/cleaning you will deduct for) and again after those repairs are completed.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Written notice of the tenant's right to a pre-move-out inspection (no earlier than 2 weeks before move-out) Verified
Deadline: Within a reasonable time after either side gives notice to end the tenancy, or before the lease term ends; the inspection itself is no earlier than 2 weeks before the end date, with 48 hours' written notice of its time
After either party gives notice to end the tenancy (or before the lease ends), tell the tenant in writing that they may request an initial inspection and be present. If requested, inspect no earlier than two weeks before the end date, with 48 hours' written notice, and leave an itemized list of proposed deductions.
"Within a reasonable time after notification of either party’s intention to terminate the tenancy, or before the end of the lease term, the landlord shall notify the tenant in writing of the tenant’s option to request an initial inspection and of the tenant’s right to be present at the inspection." leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
"The landlord shall give at least 48 hours’ prior written notice of the date and time of the inspection" leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Notes: Civ. Code §1950.5(f). Does not apply when the tenancy ends under a 3-day notice (CCP §1161(2)-(4)).
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Security deposit limit: one month's rent (two months for qualifying small landlords) Verified
Deadline: Ongoing requirement with no fixed date
Do not collect a security deposit (however named, including advance rent beyond the first month) over one month's rent. Small landlords owning at most two rental properties with at most four units in total may collect up to two months', except from service members.
Who it covers: Two-month limit only if the landlord is a natural person (or LLC of natural persons) owning no more than two residential rental properties with no more than four units total, and the tenant is not a service member. Applies to deposits collected on or after July 1, 2024.
"a landlord shall not demand or receive security, however denominated, in an amount or value in excess of an amount equal to one month’s rent, in addition to any rent for the first month paid on or before initial occupancy." leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
"The landlord owns no more than two residential rental properties that collectively include no more than four dwelling units offered for rent." leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
"This subdivision shall not apply to a security collected or demanded by the landlord before July 1, 2024." leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Notes: Civ. Code §1950.5(c) (AB 12). A lease may not call any deposit 'nonrefundable' (§1950.5(n)).
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Exterior elevated element (balcony/deck) inspection: by January 1, 2026, then every 6 years (3+ units) Verified
Deadline: Every 6 years from the last inspection; first deadline 2026-01-01
Have a licensed architect, engineer, qualified contractor or certified inspector inspect load-bearing balconies and other exterior elevated elements; the first inspection was due January 1, 2026, then every six years. Non-emergency repairs need a permit application within 120 days of the report.
Who it covers: Buildings with three or more multifamily dwelling units that have load-bearing exterior elevated elements (balconies, decks, stairways, walkways) more than six feet above ground and supported substantially by wood. Not common interest developments (condos).
"Exterior elevated elements that include load-bearing components in all buildings containing three or more multifamily dwelling units shall be inspected." leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
"The inspection shall be completed by January 1, 2026, and by January 1 every six years thereafter." leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
"shall apply for a permit within 120 days of receipt of the inspection report." leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
"which have a walking surface that is elevated more than six feet above ground level, are designed for human occupancy or use, and rely in whole or in substantial part on wood or wood-based products for structural support" leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Notes: Health & Safety Code §17973 (SB 721, as amended by AB 130, 2025). Reports must be kept for two inspection cycles.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Carbon monoxide devices installed and operable when the tenant takes possession Verified
Deadline: When the lease starts
Install State Fire Marshal-listed carbon monoxide devices in units with a fossil-fuel appliance, fireplace or attached garage, and make sure they work when the tenant moves in; correct reported deficiencies.
Who it covers: Required in dwelling units with a fossil-fuel heater or appliance, fireplace, or attached garage.
"The carbon monoxide device shall be operable at the time that the tenant takes possession." leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
"in each existing dwelling unit having a fossil fuel burning heater or appliance, fireplace, or an attached garage," leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Notes: Health & Safety Code §§17926, 17926.1.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Smoke alarms installed, tested and operable at each new tenancy Verified
Deadline: When the lease starts
Owners of rented dwellings (including rented single-family homes) are responsible for testing and maintaining smoke alarms and must make sure they work when each new tenancy is created; fix reported problems. Entry to test or repair needs 24 hours' written notice.
"At the time that a new tenancy is created, the owner shall ensure that smoke alarms are operable." leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
"the owner of a single-family dwelling that is rented or leased, shall be responsible for testing and maintaining alarms required by this section as follows:" leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Notes: Health & Safety Code §13113.7(d).
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
24-hour written notice before applying pesticide yourself (without a licensed pest control operator) Verified
Deadline: At least 24 hours before applying pesticide to a dwelling unit
If you or your staff (not a licensed pest control operator) apply pesticide in a unit, give the tenant (and affected adjacent tenants) the statutory written notice at least 24 hours before.
Who it covers: Only when the landlord or agent applies pesticide without a licensed operator. Common-area applications: post notice.
"At least 24 hours prior to application of the pesticide to the dwelling unit, the landlord or authorized agent shall provide the notice to the tenant of the dwelling unit," leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Notes: Civ. Code §1940.8.5.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Bed bug information notice before each new tenancy Verified
Deadline: When the lease starts
Before creating a new tenancy, give the prospective tenant the statutory written bed bug notice (at least 10-point type) with information about bed bugs and how to report suspected infestations.
"On and after July 1, 2017, prior to creating a new tenancy for a dwelling unit, a landlord shall provide a written notice to the prospective tenant as provided in this section." leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Notes: Civ. Code §1954.603. Before creating the new tenancy.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Disclose shared gas/electric meters before the tenancy and agree in writing on payment Verified
Deadline: Prior to the inception of the tenancy, or upon discovering the shared meter
If a tenant's gas or electric meter serves areas outside their unit, disclose it before the tenancy (or when you discover it) and sign a written agreement on how that usage is paid, such as putting the meter in your name.
Who it covers: Only if a tenant's gas or electric meter also serves areas outside the unit.
"the landlord, prior to the inception of the tenancy or upon discovery, shall explicitly disclose that condition to the tenant and shall do either of the following:" leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Notes: Civ. Code §1940.9.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Flood hazard disclosure in every residential lease Verified
Deadline: When the lease starts
In every residential lease entered into since July 1, 2018, disclose (in at least 8-point type) whether you know the property is in a special flood hazard area, where to find the state MyHazards tool, and that your insurance does not cover the tenant's belongings.
"In every lease or rental agreement for residential property entered into on or after July 1, 2018, the owner or person offering the property for rent shall disclose to a tenant, in no smaller than eight-point type, the following:" leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Notes: Gov. Code §8589.45.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Lease must name manager/owner and rent-payment details; give tenant a copy within 15 days Verified
Deadline: Within 15 days after the lease starts
The lease must disclose the name, phone and address of the manager and of an owner/agent for service of notices, plus where, how and in what form rent is paid. Give the tenant a copy of the signed lease within 15 days (and again once a year on request).
"Disclose therein the name, telephone number, and usual street address at which personal service may be effected of each person who is:" leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
"Provide a copy of the rental agreement or lease to the tenant within 15 days of its execution by the tenant." leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Notes: Civ. Code §1962. Oral agreements: written statement within 15 days (§1962(b)). New owners/managers must comply within 15 days of taking over (§1962(c)). Anchor approximates the signing date with the lease start.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Megan's Law database notice in leases (single-family homes; buildings with more than 4 units) Verified
Deadline: When the lease starts
Include the statutory notice about the Department of Justice registered sex offender website (www.meganslaw.ca.gov) in the lease, in at least 8-point type.
Who it covers: Every lease for single-family residential property, and leases in multiunit residential property with more than four dwelling units. Buildings with 2 to 4 units are excluded.
"Every lease or rental agreement for single-family residential real property entered into on or after July 1, 1999, any leasehold interest in real property consisting of multiunit residential property with more than four dwelling units entered into after that date," leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
"information about specified registered sex offenders is made available to the public via an Internet Web site maintained by the Department of Justice at www.meganslaw.ca.gov." leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Notes: Civ. Code §2079.10a(a)(3) notice text.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Tenant Protection Act notice in the lease (covered units) or exemption notice (exempt single-family/condo) Verified
Deadline: When the lease starts
For every tenancy commenced or renewed, include in the lease (or a signed addendum) the state notice about rent limits and just cause, in at least 12-point type. If you rely on the single-family/condo exemption, the lease must instead contain the exact exemption statement.
Who it covers: Covered units: the §1946.2(f) notice text in the lease, an addendum, or a signed notice. Exempt single-family homes/condos (owner not a REIT, corporation or LLC with a corporate member): the exemption statement must be in the rental agreement for tenancies commenced or renewed on or after July 1, 2020, or the exemption is lost.
"for any tenancy commenced or renewed on or after July 1, 2020, in the lease or rental agreement, as an addendum to the lease or rental agreement, or as a written notice signed by the tenant, with a copy provided to the tenant." leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
"California law limits the amount your rent can be increased. See Section 1947.12 of the Civil Code for more information." leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
"For a tenancy commenced or renewed on or after July 1, 2020, or July 1, 2022, if the lease is for a tenancy in a mobilehome, the notice required under clause (i) must be provided in the rental agreement." leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Notes: Civ. Code §1946.2(f) and (e)(8); §1947.12(d)(5).
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Rent increase notice: 30 days (10% or less in 12 months) or 90 days (over 10%) Verified
Deadline: At least 90 days before the rent increase takes effect (30 days for increase of 10% or less over 12 months; 90 days for increase over 10% over 12 months)
Give written notice at least 30 days before a rent increase that, with other increases in the prior 12 months, totals 10% or less; give at least 90 days' notice if it totals more than 10%.
Who it covers: Month-to-month and shorter periodic tenancies. Add 5 days if served by mail (CCP §1013). Fixed-term leases: increases follow the lease.
"the notice shall be delivered at least 30 days before the effective date of the increase, and subject to Section 1013 of the Code of Civil Procedure if served by mail." leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
"If the proposed rent increase for that tenant is greater than 10 percent of the rental amount charged to that tenant at any time during the 12 months before the effective date of the increase, ... the notice shall be delivered at least 90 days before the effective date of the increase," leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Notes: Civ. Code §827(b). Local rent control (e.g., Los Angeles RSO) may cap the amount.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Statewide rent cap (Tenant Protection Act): 5% + CPI, max 10% in any 12 months Verified
Deadline: Ongoing requirement with no fixed date
For covered units, total rent increases over any 12 months may not exceed 5% plus the regional CPI change, or 10%, whichever is lower, and may be made in no more than two increments. New tenancies may start at any rent.
Who it covers: Exempt: housing with a certificate of occupancy issued within the previous 15 years; owner-occupied duplexes; single-family homes and condos not owned by a REIT/corporation/LLC with a corporate member IF the tenant got the statutory exemption notice; units under stricter local rent control; deed-restricted affordable housing.
"an owner of residential real property shall not, over the course of any 12-month period, increase the gross rental rate for a dwelling or a unit more than 5 percent plus the percentage change in the cost of living, or 10 percent, whichever is lower," leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
"the gross rental rate for the unit of residential real property shall not be increased in more than two increments over that 12-month period," leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
"Housing that has been issued a certificate of occupancy within the previous 15 years, unless the housing is a mobilehome." leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Notes: Civ. Code §1947.12. The applicable CPI figure is regional and changes each year; it is not recorded here.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
3-day notice to pay rent or quit (excluding weekends and court holidays) Verified
Deadline: After rent is late: 3 days' written notice (Saturdays, Sundays and judicial holidays excluded) before filing an unlawful detainer
Before filing an eviction for unpaid rent or a curable lease breach, serve a written 3-day notice; the three days exclude Saturdays, Sundays and judicial holidays. A rent notice must state the amount due and who to pay.
"three days’ notice, excluding Saturdays and Sundays and other judicial holidays, in writing, requiring its payment, stating the amount that is due," leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Notes: CCP §1161(2)-(3). Local law (e.g., Los Angeles) may add filing and threshold requirements.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Just cause after 12 months; no-fault termination requires one month's rent relocation within 15 days Verified
Deadline: When serving a no-fault termination notice: pay relocation (or waive the final month's rent) within 15 calendar days of service
After tenants have lawfully occupied the unit for 12 months, you need a just cause, stated in the written notice, to terminate. For no-fault causes (owner move-in, withdrawal, substantial remodel, government order) give relocation assistance equal to one month's rent within 15 days of service, or waive the final month's rent.
Who it covers: Tenant Protection Act (Civ. Code §1946.2). Exemptions include housing built within 15 years, owner-occupied duplexes, and properly noticed single-family/condo units. Areas with older or stricter local just-cause ordinances (e.g., Los Angeles) follow the local law instead.
"after a tenant has continuously and lawfully occupied a residential real property for 12 months, the owner of the residential real property shall not terminate a tenancy without just cause, which shall be stated in the written notice to terminate tenancy." leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
"The amount of relocation assistance or rent waiver shall be equal to one month of the tenant’s rent that was in effect when the owner issued the notice to terminate the tenancy. Any relocation assistance shall be provided within 15 calendar days of service of the notice." leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Notes: Civ. Code §1946.2(a),(b),(d). Failure to strictly comply voids the notice.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Notice to end a month-to-month tenancy: 60 days (30 days if tenant has lived there under 1 year) Verified
Deadline: At least 60 days before the lease ends (30 days for occupancy under 1 year; 60 days for occupancy 1 year or more)
To end a periodic tenancy, give written notice at least 60 days before the termination date, or at least 30 days if every tenant has lived there less than one year. The notice must include the statutory abandoned-property statement.
Who it covers: Periodic tenancies. After 12 months of occupancy the Tenant Protection Act (or a stricter local law like LA's) also requires just cause stated in the notice.
"shall give notice at least 60 days prior to the proposed date of termination." leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
"shall give notice at least 30 days prior to the proposed date of termination if a tenant or resident has resided in the dwelling or occupied the property for less than one year." leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Notes: Civ. Code §1946.1(b),(c),(h). Served per CCP §1162 or by certified/registered mail.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Written notice before entry: 24 hours presumed reasonable (6 days if mailed) Verified
Deadline: Before each non-emergency entry (24 hours' written notice; mail at least 6 days ahead)
Give written notice with the date, approximate time and purpose before entering, and enter only during normal business hours. Twenty-four hours is presumed reasonable; a mailed notice should go out at least six days before.
Who it covers: Not required for emergencies, abandonment, or when the tenant is present and consents. Oral notice allowed for showings to buyers if the tenant was told in writing within the last 120 days that the property is for sale.
"the landlord shall give the tenant reasonable notice in writing of his or her intent to enter and enter only during normal business hours. The notice shall include the date, approximate time, and purpose of the entry." leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
"Twenty-four hours shall be presumed to be reasonable notice in absence of evidence to the contrary." leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
"Mailing of the notice at least six days prior to an intended entry is presumed reasonable notice in the absence of evidence to the contrary." leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Notes: Civ. Code §1954(d).
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Change locks within 24 hours of a protected tenant's documented request Verified
Deadline: Within 24 hours after the tenant's written request with documentation
When a tenant who is a victim of abuse or violence gives a written request with a protective order or police report, change the locks at your own expense within 24 hours and give the tenant a key.
Who it covers: Applies when the alleged abuser is not a tenant of the same unit, on written request with a qualifying protective order or police report.
"A landlord shall, at the landlord’s own expense, change the locks of the eligible tenant’s dwelling unit upon written request of the eligible tenant not later than 24 hours after the eligible tenant gives the landlord a form of documentation described in subdivision (d)" leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Notes: Civ. Code §1941.5.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Provide a working stove and refrigerator (leases entered, amended or extended from January 1, 2026) Verified
Deadline: When the lease starts
For leases entered into, amended or extended on or after January 1, 2026, the unit must have a stove and a refrigerator in good working order (unless the tenant opts to bring their own fridge). Recalled appliances must be repaired or replaced within 30 days of notice.