Most new California leases need a core set of notices: the Megan’s Law notice, the flood-hazard disclosure, the bed bug notice, the state mold booklet and, for covered or exempt properties, the AB 1482 statement. Others depend on the property, such as lead paint for pre-1978 housing. Each item below links to the statute and to our State Forms & Disclosures checklist, which has the official sources.
Which disclosures belong in most leases?
- Megan’s Law notice. Required in leases of single-family homes and multiunit property with more than four units (Civ. Code § 2079.10a), in at least 8-point type. Details.
- Flood-hazard disclosure. Required in residential leases entered into on or after July 1, 2018 (Gov. Code § 8589.45). Details.
- Bed bug notice. A written notice, in at least 10-point type, before creating a new tenancy (Civ. Code § 1954.603). Details.
- State mold booklet. Landlords must give prospective tenants the Department of Public Health booklet before the lease is signed (Health & Safety Code § 26148). Details.
- Smoking policy. Where smoking is prohibited, the lease must say where (Civ. Code § 1947.5). Details.
What must a lease say about AB 1482?
For covered properties, the lease, an addendum or a signed notice must state, in at least 12-point type, that rent increases are limited and that just cause is required after the occupancy period. Exempt single-family homes and condos must carry the statutory exemption statement in the rental agreement for tenancies commenced or renewed on or after July 1, 2020 (July 1, 2022 for mobilehomes), under Civ. Code § 1947.12(d)(5)(B). Termination notices must state the just cause under § 1946.2. See the AB 1482 guide and the required wording.
Which disclosures depend on the property?
- Lead-based paint (housing built before 1978). Give the EPA pamphlet, disclose known hazards and use the lead warning statement (42 U.S.C. § 4852d; 40 C.F.R. part 745, subpart F). Details.
- Demolition permit. If you have applied for a permit to demolish the unit (Civ. Code § 1940.6). Details.
- Former ordnance location. If you know of one within a mile (Civ. Code § 1940.7). Details.
- Shared utility meter. If the tenant’s meter also serves other areas (Civ. Code § 1940.9). Details.
- Pest control. The notice from your pest-control company, if you have a periodic service contract (Civ. Code § 1940.8). Details.
- Rent reporting. Covered landlords must offer to report positive payment history (Civ. Code § 1954.07). Details.
- Tenant-supplied refrigerator. Only if the tenant asks to bring their own, the statutory statement from Civ. Code § 1941.1 must be in the lease. See our AB 628 post.
What is not required?
No disclosure is required for a death that occurred more than three years before a prospective tenant offers to rent, or for a prior occupant’s HIV status (Civ. Code § 1710.2), but the law does not protect a false answer to a direct question. We have not found a statewide earthquake-hazard disclosure for rentals; the state’s requirement applies to transfers of certain older homes (Gov. Code § 8897.1).
What about deposits, fees and the lease terms themselves?
The security deposit is limited by Civ. Code § 1950.5(c), and a lease cannot call it “nonrefundable.” Take move-in photographs of the unit for tenancies that begin on or after July 1, 2025. See our post on deposit returns and photos and the security deposit guide.
What changes in 2027?
Starting April 1, 2027, a written pet policy must go with every rental application and be linked in your digital ads (SB 1296, Civ. Code § 1942.7.5). Emergency price caps expand to all lease terms on January 1, 2027 under SB 1365. Both are covered in our new laws guide.
How do I keep the process fair?
Give the same disclosures to every applicant and keep a signed copy for each tenancy. Federal and California fair housing laws prohibit treating applicants differently based on a protected characteristic. Local cities and counties may require additional notices, so check your local rules.
Frequently asked questions
Does a month-to-month tenancy need all of these notices?
The timing rules differ by statute. Most are tied to “entering into” a rental agreement or to creating a tenancy, so give the notices at the start of each new tenancy and keep a signed record.
Do I need the flood disclosure if the property is not in a flood zone?
Section 8589.45 applies to every residential lease entered into on or after July 1, 2018. The lease must say that the tenant may get hazard information from the Cal OES MyHazards site, and must include the other statutory statements.
Where do I get the mold booklet and lead pamphlet?
The Department of Public Health hosts the mold booklet on its mold page, and the EPA hosts the lead pamphlet. Links to both are on our forms page. Always use the current official version.
Is this checklist enough?
It is a starting point. Local ordinances, subsidy programs and the facts of your property can add requirements, and a qualified attorney can review your lease.
Which official sources should I read?
- Our State Forms & Disclosures checklist (official links for each item)
- Civil Code § 2079.10a (leginfo)
- Government Code § 8589.45 (leginfo)
- Civil Code § 1954.603 (leginfo)
- Health & Safety Code § 26148 (leginfo)
- CDPH — Mold and Dampness
- EPA — Real estate disclosures about potential lead hazards
This post is general information about California law as of Nov 13, 2026, and local ordinances may be stricter. Check the linked sources or consult a qualified attorney. Read the disclaimer.
Have a question about your situation, want tips, or need a referral? Email the CLRC team at [email protected]. We share general information, not legal advice, and we’re not a law firm.