California Landlord Compliance
Everything you're responsible for as a landlord in California
Rent control, just-cause eviction, deposits, entry, repairs and recordkeeping, written for people who own or manage a few units, checked against the official sources, and kept current when the rules move.
What are you trying to do?
Start from the task. Each route gathers the guides, checklists and forms that apply to it in California.
Essential local guides
If you're new to owning here, these five cover most of what will come up in your first year.
View All GuidesCalifornia: Photos required to support deposit deductions
California landlords now need photographic proof at three specific points in a tenancy before they can safely deduct from a security deposit. The requirement didn't arrive all at once, and the two phase dates trip people up because they cover different things.
Guide
California: Working stove and refrigerator now required
Starting January 1, 2026, a California rental unit generally isn't legally habitable without a working stove and refrigerator. That wasn't true before. Here's exactly what the law requires, the 30-day clock that makes recalls a real compliance risk, and which properties are exempt.
Guide
California Sublease Agreement Guide and Template
Sublease safely in California's pricey market! Learn about required landlord consent, security deposit limits, and vital legal clauses.
Guide
7 min
California HOA Rules Every Homeowner Should Know
Know your rights! Master California’s HOA laws, from the $100 fine cap under AB 130 to mandatory rules on parking, pets, and solar panels.
Guide
7 min
Cost to Evict a Tenant in California | Fees, Process, and Timelines
Navigating California evictions? Learn about filing fees, attorney costs, and how to avoid the legal errors that can spike your total expenses.
Guide
7 min
Recent changes
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Full California collection
Filter by what you're doing or by the kind of resource you need.
| Resource | Type | Task | Reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|
California: Photos required to support deposit deductions California landlords now need photographic proof at three specific points in a tenancy before they can safely deduct from a security deposit. The requirement didn't arrive all at once, and the two phase dates trip people up because they cover different things. | Guides | Keep the right records | Sep 17, 2026 |
California: Working stove and refrigerator now required Starting January 1, 2026, a California rental unit generally isn't legally habitable without a working stove and refrigerator. That wasn't true before. Here's exactly what the law requires, the 30-day clock that makes recalls a real compliance risk, and which properties are exempt. | Guides | Screen an applicant | Sep 16, 2026 |
California Sublease Agreement Guide and Template Sublease safely in California's pricey market! Learn about required landlord consent, security deposit limits, and vital legal clauses. | Guides | Return a deposit | Jun 19, 2026 |
California HOA Rules Every Homeowner Should Know Know your rights! Master California’s HOA laws, from the $100 fine cap under AB 130 to mandatory rules on parking, pets, and solar panels. | Guides | Keep the right records | Jun 17, 2026 |
Cost to Evict a Tenant in California | Fees, Process, and Timelines Navigating California evictions? Learn about filing fees, attorney costs, and how to avoid the legal errors that can spike your total expenses. | Guides | End a tenancy | Mar 24, 2026 |
What Rights Do Tenants Have in California? Explained If you’ve been searching for a simple explanation of what rights do tenants have in California, you’re in the right place... | Guides | Keep the right records | Mar 2, 2026 |
Landlord Responsibilities in California: Legal Overview This guide breaks down landlord responsibilities in California in clear, practical terms. Each section explains legal duties... | Guides | Keep the right records | Feb 25, 2026 |
What a Landlord Cannot Do in California: Legal Limits Herein, we breaks down what a landlord cannot do in California in clear, simple language backed by real legal standards. | Guides | Keep the right records | Feb 25, 2026 |
Leasing Laws in California: Legal Requirements This article outlines leasing laws in California, explaining what legally compliant lease agreements must include, security deposit limits and return rules, rent increase and eviction notice requirements, habitability standards, anti-discrimination protections, and practical compliance advice for landlords and property managers. | Guides | Return a deposit | Feb 12, 2026 |
How Often Can a Landlord Raise Rent in California? California rent increases are governed by strict state and local laws that regulate timing, notice, and frequency, making careful planning and compliance essential for responsible property management. | Guides | Raise the rent | Jan 19, 2026 |
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Rent increase dates and notice
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Obligation tracking with reminders
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Move-in and move-out photos
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Records kept per unit, per tenancy
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Repair requests and responses
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Maintenance log with timestamps
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Everything a hearing could ask for
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