About the California Landlord Resource Center

Why this exists

California rental law moves fast. A new statute lands every January, the rent-cap figure resets every August, and a storm or an emergency declaration can change what a landlord may charge overnight. The same rule is explained five slightly different ways on five different websites, usually without a source. We wanted one place where a landlord, especially one in Southern California, could see the rule, the date it was checked and the official page it comes from, in that order.

Our mission

To make California’s rental rules readable, checkable and current, so owners can do the right thing the first time. We start with San Diego County and the rest of Southern California, where we go deepest, and cover the whole state.

How we research

1. Find the primary source. The statute on leginfo.legislature.ca.gov, the court’s own page, the agency’s own page or the city’s own code.
2. Read it, not a summary of it. Secondary articles can point us toward a topic but are never the basis for a rule.
3. Write the short answer first. Then the exceptions, the dates and the steps.
4. Add the “check your local rules” caution. State law is a floor; cities and counties can add to it.
5. Stamp the date. The “last reviewed” line is a promise that someone looked.
6. Check again on a schedule. See below.

How often we review

• Emergency orders: reviewed weekly, and sooner when a new emergency is declared. The tracker shows the date it was last verified.
• San Diego County and Southern California pages: reviewed monthly.
• Rent-cap figures: updated when the Attorney General publishes new figures (the cycle resets each August).
• Statewide guides and calculators: reviewed when the law changes and at least quarterly.

Editorial standards

• Accuracy over completeness. We would rather publish less than guess.
• Sources are visible. See our sources page.
• Phone numbers and links come from the provider’s own site or a cited public directory; if we cannot confirm one, we link without it.
• Fair housing first. Nothing here suggests treating applicants or tenants differently based on a protected characteristic.
• No hidden advice. We explain rules; we do not tell you what to do in your situation.

Corrections

We get things wrong sometimes. When you tell us, we compare the page with the source, fix it, and show the new date. Details are in our corrections policy, and every page has a “Report an error” link.

Independence

This site does not run ads, take paid placements or accept payment for coverage, and no company’s branding appears on its pages. Links go to official government and provider websites. If this ever changes, we will say so on this page.

Who we are

California Landlord Resource Center is written and maintained by an independent editorial team that publishes under one name. We do not sell services, run ads, take referral fees or favor any company, and we do not put individual names on pages: the sources carry the authority, not us. If you want to reach us, email [email protected].

What we can’t do

We can’t tell you what to do in your situation. Local ordinances, lease terms and facts change the answer. For decisions that matter, such as serving a notice or withholding a deposit, talk to a qualified California attorney or your local rent board. See the disclaimer.

How can I report an error?

If you see an out-of-date rule or a broken link, please tell us. Corrections are handled under our corrections policy.