California landlord guides
Each guide starts with the short answer, explains the details in plain English, and links to the statute or agency page behind every rule.
AB 1482 rent cap & just cause
The statewide cap (5% + local CPI, never above 10%), who is exempt, just-cause reasons and relocation payments.
Read the guideSecurity deposits
The one-month limit, allowed deductions, photo requirements, the 21-day return deadline and penalties.
Read the guideNotices: rent increases & terminations
30/90-day rent increase notices, 30/60-day termination notices, 3-day notices and how to serve them.
Read the guideHabitability & repairs
The legal standards for a habitable rental, stove and refrigerator rules (2026) and repair-and-deduct.
Read the guideNew laws: 2026–2027
Dated timeline: what took effect in 2026 and what starts January 1 and April 1, 2027.
Read the guideHiring a property manager
The DRE license rule, trust accounts, what to look for in the agreement, questions to ask and red flags.
Read the guideThe eviction process
Notice, court filing, the 10-court-day response, judgment, writ and sheriff, plus what self-help evictions cost you.
Read the guideRental property taxes
Property tax dates, depreciation, California’s differences from federal rules, 1099s, LLC fees and nonresident withholding.
Read the guideFair housing
Protected characteristics under Gov. Code § 12955, source of income, immigration status and Unruh Act damages.
Read the guideSelling with tenants
Deposit transfer, showings, termination notices and just-cause limits when you sell a tenant-occupied rental.
Read the guideAccidental landlord checklist
Exemption notice, deposit limit, disclosures, taxes, entry rules and hiring help for first-time landlords.
Read the guideDisasters and rentals
SB 610 evacuation rent and debris rules, destroyed premises, and emergency price caps.
Read the guideFree rent increase calculator
Step-by-step: find the legal maximum under AB 1482, the notice period, and whether an emergency price cap applies.
Open the calculatorAB 1482 Exemption Checker
See whether a rental looks exempt from the statewide rent cap and just-cause rules.
Open the checkerLaw tracker
Recent and upcoming laws and rulings with effective dates and links to the text.
Open the trackerCompliance calendar
Key dates through 2030: new laws, property tax, LLC deadlines and emergency order end dates.
Open the calendarState forms & disclosures
When each California and federal disclosure is required — with links to the official source and the legal cite.
See the checklist