What is the security deposit limit in California?

As of 2024, California limits residential security deposits to 1 month's rent for unfurnished units (reduced from the prior 2-month limit). This applies to most residential leases regardless of length.

How much notice must a California landlord give before entering?

California requires 24 hours written notice before entry, except in emergencies. Entry must occur between 8am and 6pm. Landlords cannot enter for non-emergency reasons more frequently than is reasonable.

Does California have rent control?

Yes. California has statewide rent control (AB 1482) limiting annual rent increases to 5% + local CPI or 10% maximum for qualifying properties. Many cities (LA, SF, Oakland) have additional local rent control laws with stronger protections.

What is just cause eviction in California?

Under AB 1482, landlords cannot evict tenants who have lived in a unit for 12+ months without 'just cause' — including failure to pay rent, lease violations, or owner move-in. Landlords must specify the cause in any eviction notice.

How long does a California landlord have to return a security deposit?

21 days from move-out. Landlords must provide an itemized statement with receipts. Wrongful withholding can result in the tenant recovering 2x the improperly withheld amount in small claims court.

California Tenant Rights & Lease Laws

Security Deposit Rules

Maximum Deposit Varies

Return Deadline 21 days after move-out

Interest Required No

Notice Requirements

Landlord Entry Notice 24 hours

Lease Termination Notice (Month-to-Month) 30 days

Rent Increase Notice 30 days

Lease provisions claiming to waive AB 1482 protections — often unenforceable, but they're a red flag about how aggressive this landlord is. SB 567 notice requirements for owner move-in evictions. Restoration clauses in commercial leases requiring full strip-out to original condition — routine in Bay Area office leases and potentially costing $50–150/sqft.

Rent Control

Rent Control: Yes (some jurisdictions)

Habitability & Repair Requirements

California landlords are required to maintain rental units in habitable condition. California is one of the most tenant-friendly states in the US. The combination of AB 1482 statewide rent control, just cause eviction requirements, and strong local ordinances in LA, San Francisco, and Oakland provides robust protection — for covered tenants. Single-family homes and new construction are often exempt.

Eviction Process

San Francisco's office market has seen record vacancies post-pandemic, with Class A rents dropping to $60–80/sqft from pandemic highs. LA commercial retail remains strong in prime corridors. Residential markets in coastal cities are landlord-dominated despite regulation — 1–2% vacancy in SF and LA means almost no negotiating room. Sacramento and the Inland Empire are more tenant-favorable.

Tenant Protections & Notable Laws

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the security deposit limit in California?: As of 2024, California limits residential security deposits to 1 month's rent for unfurnished units (reduced from the prior 2-month limit). This applies to most residential leases regardless of length.
How much notice must a California landlord give before entering?: California requires 24 hours written notice before entry, except in emergencies. Entry must occur between 8am and 6pm. Landlords cannot enter for non-emergency reasons more frequently than is reasonable.
Does California have rent control?: Yes. California has statewide rent control (AB 1482) limiting annual rent increases to 5% + local CPI or 10% maximum for qualifying properties. Many cities (LA, SF, Oakland) have additional local rent control laws with stronger protections.
What is just cause eviction in California?: Under AB 1482, landlords cannot evict tenants who have lived in a unit for 12+ months without 'just cause' — including failure to pay rent, lease violations, or owner move-in. Landlords must specify the cause in any eviction notice.
How long does a California landlord have to return a security deposit?: 21 days from move-out. Landlords must provide an itemized statement with receipts. Wrongful withholding can result in the tenant recovering 2x the improperly withheld amount in small claims court.

Cities in California

Find city-specific lease guides for major markets in California: