California Property and Real Estate Laws

Homeowners, landlords, and renters have specific laws that rule their property or place of residence.

Created by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and editors

| Last updated June 20, 2016

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State property and real estate laws often include things like "homestead" protection from creditors. This helps small landowners keep their farm or home in times of economic stress.

It also controls regulations protecting both tenants and landlords. Laws like adverse possession rewards individuals who substantially improve property they do not own.

In California, for example, an individual who is either disabled or over 65 may claim homestead protection on property worth up to $150,000. California also has property and real estate laws that provide incentives for energy-efficient and otherwise environmentally friendly buildings. To learn more about a given topic, click on one of the links below.

Learn About California Property and Real Estate Laws

California Homestead Laws

Vital information about California’s homestead protection law, which allows elderly or disabled persons who are threatened with foreclosure or eviction to remain in their homes.
California Lease and Rental Agreement Laws

Overview of California laws regulating property leases and rental agreements between landlords and tenants, including limits on deposits; prohibited forms of discrimination; and other matters.

California Adverse Possession Laws

The basics of California’s adverse possession law, which allows someone to gain legal ownership of a property if they publicly inhabit and improve it, with links to related information.
California Security Deposit Limits

Basic overview of California’s statutory limitations on how much security deposit a landlord may charge, and what the landlord may deduct at the end of the lease period.