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California Landlord-Tenant Laws

This overview summarizes common California landlord-tenant topics using published statute references (California Civil Code 1940-1954.06). Laws change — confirm details with official sources.

California at a glance: Security deposit limit: 2 months rent (unfurnished), 3 months (furnished). Return deadline: 21 days after move-out. Month-to-month notice: 30 days. Source: California Civil Code 1940-1954.06.
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Security Deposit Laws

Maximum Deposit:

2 months rent (unfurnished), 3 months (furnished)

Return Deadline:

21 days after move-out

Interest Required:

No statutory requirement

Landlords should provide an itemized deduction list when withholding any portion of the deposit.

Eviction Notice Requirements

Nonpayment of Rent:

3 days notice

Lease Violation:

3 days notice

Court filing and service rules vary by county. Use our eviction timeline calculator for planning.

Notice to Vacate

Month-to-Month Lease:

30 days notice

Fixed-Term Lease:

No notice required if lease ends

Late Rent Fees

Grace Period:

No statutory requirement

Maximum Late Fee:

Reasonable amount

Additional Regulations

Rent Control:

AB 1482 (5% + CPI cap statewide, local controls in major cities)

Landlord Entry Notice:

24 hours

Primary statute reference: California Civil Code 1940-1954.06

When to use California document templates

Use LeaseCraft templates when you need editable PDF or DOCX lease and notice forms built for California landlords and tenants. Start with the residential lease generator, then add notices from the sidebar.

Common mistakes in California

  • Relying on verbal agreements instead of a written lease with required disclosures
  • Missing the 21-day security deposit return window
  • Serving eviction or termination notices with incorrect day counts

Frequently asked questions

In California, the commonly cited limit is 2 months rent (unfurnished), 3 months (furnished). Return timing is typically 21 days after move-out. Confirm current rules in California Civil Code 1940-1954.06.

California month-to-month tenancies typically require 30 days written notice unless the lease specifies otherwise.

Use our California lease agreement generator to build a residential lease with state-structured clauses. Preview free before download.

Guides

Landlord Responsibilities Eviction Process

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