California landlord blog
Plain-English explainers on new laws, emergency orders and day-to-day compliance. Every post starts with the short answer and links to the statute or agency page behind it.
Emergency rent caps after Tropical Storm Rachel
Penal Code 396 limits rent increases to 10% during a declared emergency, even for homes exempt from AB 1482. See the Tropical Storm Rachel dates, counties and exceptions.
Read the postAB 628: stove and refrigerator rules for 2026 leases
Since January 1, 2026, a working stove and refrigerator are part of California’s habitability standard for new, amended or extended leases. Learn the exceptions and the tenant-supplied fridge rules.
Read the postHow to calculate the 2026 AB 1482 rent increase
The AB 1482 cap is 5% plus regional CPI, up to 10%. See the 2026–27 caps by region, worked examples, notice periods and when an emergency cap overrides it.
Read the postSecurity deposit returns: the 21-day rule and photos
California landlords must return the deposit and an itemized statement within 21 days, and now need before-and-after photos. Here is what Civil Code 1950.5 requires.
Read the postRequired disclosures for a new California lease
A checklist of the notices and disclosures California and federal law require at the start of a tenancy, with the statute behind each one and links to the official sources.
Read the postSign up for our newsletter
Coming summer 2027. Leave your email and we will let you know when it starts.