How to Rent Out a House in California | Beginner's Guide for Landlords

How to Rent Out a House in California: First-Time Landlord Guide

Everything first-time landlords need to know about renting out property in California. From preparing your home and understanding legal requirements to finding tenants and setting up proper management.

Updated January 2026

14 min read

Step 1: Prepare Your Property

Safety and Habitability Requirements

California law requires rental properties to meet specific habitability standards. Before renting, ensure your property has working smoke detectors in every bedroom and common area, carbon monoxide detectors on every level, functioning heating system, safe electrical and plumbing systems, weatherproof structure (roof, walls, windows), and working locks on all exterior doors.

Recommended Preparations

Beyond legal minimums, prepare your property to attract quality tenants. Fresh paint in neutral colors, professional cleaning, landscaping maintenance, and updated fixtures can command higher rents and attract better applicants.

Step 2: Understand California Legal Requirements

Required Disclosures

California requires numerous disclosures to tenants before signing a lease. These include lead-based paint disclosure (pre-1978 buildings), bed bug history, mold disclosure, flood zone information, Megan's Law database notice, and many others. Missing disclosures can void lease provisions or create liability.

Security Deposit Limits

As of 2024, California limits security deposits to one month's rent for most properties. You have 21 days after move-out to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions.

Rent Control Considerations

California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) may apply to your property, limiting rent increases and requiring just cause for evictions. Single-family homes can be exempt if you provide proper written notice to tenants—but failure to provide this notice means you're covered by the law.

Step 3: Determine Your Rent Price

Pricing correctly is crucial. Too high and your property sits vacant; too low and you leave money on the table. Research comparable rentals in your area, considering similar size and features, neighborhood and school district, current market conditions, and property condition and amenities. Professional rent analysis can identify the optimal price point.

Step 4: Market Your Property

Effective marketing attracts more qualified applicants. Take high-quality photos (or hire a professional), write compelling listing descriptions, post on multiple platforms (Zillow, Apartments.com, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace), and respond promptly to inquiries.

Step 5: Screen Tenants Thoroughly

Tenant screening is your most important protection. Check credit history, verify income (typically 2.5-3x rent), contact previous landlords, and conduct background checks. California has specific restrictions on how criminal history can be used—automatic rejection based on criminal records violates fair housing law.

Step 6: Create a Solid Lease

Use a California-compliant lease that covers rent amount and due date, security deposit terms, lease duration, maintenance responsibilities, pet policies, and all required disclosures. Generic leases from office supply stores may not comply with California law.

Step 7: Decide on Self-Management vs. Professional Help

First-time landlords often underestimate the time and knowledge required. Consider professional management if you're unfamiliar with California landlord-tenant law, you don't have time for tenant calls and maintenance coordination, you live far from the property, or you want truly passive investment income.

First-Time Landlord Reality: California's complex legal requirements create significant liability for inexperienced landlords. Many first-timers find professional management provides peace of mind and better outcomes than navigating the learning curve themselves—especially given the cost of even one legal mistake.

Renting out a house in California can be rewarding, but it requires understanding your legal obligations and making informed decisions about management. Take time to prepare properly, and don't hesitate to seek professional help when needed.