California Landlord-Tenant Laws
Complete 2026 guide to California landlord laws — security deposits, eviction process, entry notice, and rent control status.
Landlord Score
1
out of 10
Tenant Friendly
Key Law Summary — California
🏦
Security Deposit Max
1 month (as of 2024)
📋
Eviction Notice
3 days (pay or quit)
⚡
Avg Eviction Timeline
90 days
🚪
Entry Notice Required
24 hours
💰
Late Fee Cap
5–10% (varies)
⚖
Eviction Filing Fee
$240–$450
🏘️
Rent Control
Yes — Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Santa Monica, Berkeley
❄️
Winter Eviction Ban
No
✅ Landlord Rights in California
→Can recover possession eventually
→Can charge application fees
⚖ Tenant Rights in California
→AB 1482 just cause eviction
→Rent increase caps (5%+CPI)
→Relocation assistance
📋 Required Disclosures
✓ Lead paint
✓ Mold
✓ Pest history
✓ Flood zone
✓ Death on property
⚡ Eviction Timeline — California
1
Serve Notice
3-day notice to pay or quit
2
Wait Period
Allow 3 days for tenant to comply
3
File Complaint
File at court — fee: $240–$450
4
Court Hearing
Attend hearing with documentation
5
Judgment & Writ
Total avg: 90 days start to finish
Local Court Resources
⚠ Rent Control Active
Rent control applies in: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Santa Monica, Berkeley. Check local ordinances before raising rent.
At a Glance
Landlord Score1/10
Eviction Avg90 days
Notice Period3 days
Entry Notice24hr