California Tenant Rights Laws
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed September 07, 2017
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Perhaps you're thinking about renting an apartment, or you want to know if your landlord is obligated to fix your plumbing problem. Thankfully, there is no shortage of federal, state, and local law governing the landlord-tenant relationship, in addition to the terms of your rental contract. From security deposits to eviction notices, tenant rights laws are designed to protect the tenant from unfair rental agreements and unscrupulous treatment by landlords. Read on to learn more about California tenant rights laws.
California Tenant Rights Laws: Beginning and Ending a Tenancy
California tenant rights laws cover a myriad of issues from before you even sign a lease to after you've moved out. For example, California law prohibits landlords from discriminating against rental applicants based on race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, and other protected characteristics. There are also limits to what they can charge you for a security deposit. Finally, landlords must also abide by notice requirements for ending a tenancy, including in an eviction proceeding.
California Tenant Rights Laws: Living Conditions
California tenants also have the rights to quiet enjoyment and habitability of their rental unit. This means the landlord can only enter your unit under certain circumstances and must provide you with a unit that is habitable (i.e. sanitary, safe, etc.). These laws also require the landlord to make certain repairs if your unit become uninhabitable due to unsafe or unhealthy conditions.
California Tenant Rights Laws at a Glance
The following chart provides a summary of California laws governing the landlord-tenant relationship, including links to important code sections.
Statutes |
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Security Deposits |
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Paying Rent |
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Living Conditions |
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Discrimination |
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Ending or Renewing a Tenancy |
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Retaliation |
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Note: State regulations are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
California Tenant Rights Laws: Related Resources
- California Lease and Rental Agreement Laws
- California Guide to Tenants' and Landlords' Rights and Responsibilities
- Tenant Lease Agreement FAQs
- Tenants' Rights Basics
- U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development in California
Get Help Resolving Your Landlord-Tenant Issues
At some point or another, most renters run into issues with their landlord. If you're unable to work through those issues directly with your landlord, you may need help from a third party through arbitration, mediation, a lawsuit, or settlement negotiations. Receive a free case review to better understand and protect your rights as a California tenant.
Next Steps: Search for a Local Attorney
Contact a qualified attorney.