Landlord Responsibilities in California: Complete Guide

Landlord Responsibilities in California: The Complete Legal Checklist

Every legal requirement California landlords must follow—from habitability standards and required disclosures to security deposit handling and fair housing compliance. A comprehensive checklist to ensure you're meeting all obligations.

Updated January 2026

15 min read

Habitability Requirements

California's implied warranty of habitability requires landlords to maintain rental units in livable condition. Specifically, you must provide:

Weatherproofing: Roof, walls, windows, and doors that protect against rain and weather

Plumbing: Functioning hot and cold water, sewage disposal, and working fixtures

Heating: Adequate heating facilities in good working order

Electrical: Safe electrical wiring and functioning lighting

Sanitation: Clean premises free of debris, garbage, and vermin

Safety: Working smoke and CO detectors, secure locks, and safe conditions

Floors, stairs, railings: Safe and in good repair

Failure to maintain habitability can result in tenant rent withholding, repair-and-deduct actions, or lawsuits for damages.

Required Disclosures

California requires landlords to provide numerous disclosures before or at lease signing:

Lead-Based Paint
Required for pre-1978 buildings; includes EPA pamphlet

Bed Bug History
Known infestations in past year

Mold Disclosure
Known mold presence and health risks

Flood Zone
If property is in flood hazard area

Demolition Plans
If demolition permit applied for

Sex Offender Database
Notice of Megan's Law database availability

Pest Control
Recent pest control company reports

Smoking Policy
Designation of smoking/non-smoking areas

Security Deposit Obligations

California strictly regulates security deposits. Landlords must limit deposits to one month's rent (for most properties as of 2024), return deposits within 21 days of move-out, provide itemized statements of any deductions with receipts, allow pre-move-out inspection upon tenant request, and never commingle deposits with personal funds (best practice).

Fair Housing Compliance

California's fair housing laws are among the nation's broadest. Landlords cannot discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, disability (federal), plus sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, source of income (including Section 8), military status, and genetic information (California additions).

Fair housing compliance means consistent screening criteria, non-discriminatory advertising, reasonable accommodation for disabilities, and acceptance of housing vouchers as income source.

Rent Control and Just Cause (AB 1482)

For covered properties, landlords must limit annual rent increases to 5% + CPI (max 10%), have just cause for evictions after 12 months, provide relocation assistance for no-fault evictions (one month's rent), and give proper notice of rent increases (30 days if under 10%, 90 days if 10% or more).

Exempt properties include single-family homes (with proper notice), new construction (first 15 years), owner-occupied duplexes, and certain affordable housing.

Maintenance and Repair Responsibilities

Landlords must respond to repair requests within reasonable timeframes. Urgent issues (no heat, water leaks, safety hazards) require prompt response—often within 24-48 hours. Routine repairs should be addressed within 30 days. Failure to make repairs can trigger tenant remedies including repair-and-deduct (up to one month's rent), rent withholding until repairs are made, and lawsuits for breach of habitability.

Entry and Privacy

California protects tenant privacy. Landlords may only enter for specific reasons with proper notice—typically 24 hours written notice for repairs, showing to prospective tenants, or inspections. Emergency entries require no notice. Entries should occur during normal business hours unless otherwise agreed.

Eviction Procedures

California prohibits "self-help" evictions. Landlords cannot change locks, shut off utilities, or remove tenant belongings to force departure. All evictions must go through the unlawful detainer court process, with proper notices and procedures followed precisely.

Compliance Is Non-Negotiable: California's tenant-friendly courts take landlord obligations seriously. Non-compliance can result in voided lease provisions, liability for tenant damages, penalties up to twice the security deposit, and fair housing complaints with substantial damages. Professional management helps ensure consistent compliance.

This checklist covers major responsibilities, but California landlord-tenant law is complex and constantly evolving. When in doubt, consult with a qualified attorney or work with professional property managers who stay current on legal requirements.