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.
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California at a glance: Security deposit limit: 1 month's rent. Return deadline: 21 days. Month-to-month notice: 30 days. Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(c), § 1950.5(h)(1).
Security deposit
- Maximum deposit
- 1 month's rent
- Return deadline
- 21 days
- Interest required
- No statutory requirement
The rule: Max 1 month's rent (2 months only for a natural-person landlord owning no more than two rental properties with four units total, never from a service member). Must return within 21 days with itemized statement. Cal. Civ. Code 1950.5.
Landlords should provide an itemized deduction list when withholding any portion of the deposit.
Source read · Cal. Civ. Code 1950.5
Eviction notice
- 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
Sources
When to use California document templates
Use LeaseCraft templates when you need PDF and editable DOCX lease and notice forms built for California landlords and tenants. Start with the residential lease generator, then add notices from the list of California documents.
Common mistakes in California
- Relying on verbal agreements instead of a written lease with required disclosures
- Missing the security deposit return deadline (21 days)
- Serving eviction or termination notices with incorrect day counts
Frequently asked questions
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In California the security deposit limit is 1 month's rent. The return deadline is 21 days. Max 1 month's rent (2 months only for a natural-person landlord owning no more than two rental properties with four units total, never from a service member). Must return within 21 days with itemized statement. Cal. Civ. Code 1950.5.
Confirm current rules in California Civil Code 1940-1954.06.
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California month-to-month tenancies typically require 30 days written notice unless the lease specifies otherwise.
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Use our California lease agreement generator to build a residential lease with state-structured clauses. Preview free before download.
Educational summary only, not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for specific guidance. LeaseCraft is not a law firm. Statutes change — verify requirements with official California sources before relying on this information.
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