California Renters' Rights: A Plain-English Guide
Rent increase caps, just-cause eviction, security deposits, repairs, landlord entry and the renter's credit: the statewide rules every California tenant should know.
Most California renters are protected by AB 1482: rent can rise no more than 8.1% to 8.8% a year (by region, through July 31, 2027), and after 12 months you can only be evicted for a just cause. Security deposits are capped at one month's rent and must come back within 21 days. Every tenant also has rights to a livable home, notice before entry and protection from retaliation.
Rent increase limits
The Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482, Civil Code 1947.12) caps increases at 5% plus the change in regional inflation, never more than 10%, over any 12 months. The cap resets each August 1 from the change in the regional Consumer Price Index over the year to April:
| Region | Maximum increase, August 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027 |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles / Orange County | 8.7% |
| Riverside / San Bernardino | 8.1% |
| San Diego | 8.2% |
| San Francisco / Bay Area | 8.8% |
The landlord must give 30 days' written notice for an increase of 10% or less and 90 days for more. AB 1482 doesn't cover units built in the last 15 years, most single-family homes and condos owned by individuals (if the lease includes the required exemption notice), or an owner-occupied duplex. More than 20 cities have stricter local rent control; see how the state cap and city caps interact and the list of cities with rent control.
Just-cause eviction
Once you have lived in a covered unit for 12 months (or 24 months if a new adult tenant was added during the lease), the landlord needs a reason listed in Civil Code 1946.2 to end your tenancy:
- At-fault reasons: not paying rent, a serious lease violation, nuisance, criminal activity or refusing to sign a similar new lease. A fixable violation needs a written notice to cure first.
- No-fault reasons: the owner or a close relative moving in, taking the unit off the market, a government order or a substantial remodel. The landlord must pay relocation assistance of 1 month's rent within 15 days of the notice, or waive your final month's rent.
Only a court can evict you. Changing the locks, removing your belongings or shutting off utilities to force you out is illegal. More detail: just-cause eviction rules and tenant relocation assistance.
Security deposits
- Limit: one month's rent since July 1, 2024 (AB 12). A small landlord, an individual with no more than 2 rental properties and 4 units, may charge 2 months, but not to an active-duty service member.
- Refund: within 21 days of move-out, with an itemized statement. Deductions are limited to unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear and cleaning back to move-in condition. Receipts are required once repair and cleaning charges pass $125.
- Photos: landlords must photograph the unit at move-in (tenancies starting on or after July 1, 2025) and at move-out.
- Pre-move-out inspection: you can ask for one up to two weeks before you leave so you have time to fix problems.
- Penalty: a landlord who keeps a deposit in bad faith can owe up to 2 times the deposit plus your actual losses. "Nonrefundable" deposits aren't allowed.
See the full security deposit guide.
Repairs and habitability
Every California rental must be fit to live in: working plumbing, heat, hot water and electricity, a weatherproof structure, and no pest infestation, among other basics. If the landlord doesn't fix a serious problem within a reasonable time after written notice (30 days is presumed reasonable), Civil Code 1942 lets you make the repair and deduct the cost from rent, up to one month's rent and no more than twice in 12 months. You can also report code violations to your city or county.
Privacy and retaliation
A landlord generally must give 24 hours' written notice before entering, enter during normal business hours, and have a legitimate reason such as repairs or showing the unit (Civil Code 1954). Emergencies are the exception. The landlord also can't raise the rent, cut services or move to evict you for asking for repairs, contacting a code inspector or joining a tenant group. Retaliation within 180 days of those actions is presumed under Civil Code 1942.5.
Money back at tax time
Renters who lived in California at least 6 months of the year can claim the nonrefundable renter's credit: $60 for single filers with California AGI up to $53,994, and $120 for joint, head-of-household and surviving-spouse filers up to $107,988. See the renter's credit explained.
Check your situation
Use the AB 1482 Rent Increase Calculator to test a rent increase, the Just Cause Eviction Checker for an eviction notice, the Security Deposit Return Calculator for deductions, and the Rent Control by City Checker to see whether a local ordinance gives you more protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can a landlord raise rent in California?
For units covered by AB 1482, no more than 5% plus regional inflation, capped at 10%, in any 12 months. From August 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027 that works out to 8.1% to 8.8% depending on the region. Cities with their own rent control can set lower limits.
Can my landlord evict me without a reason in California?
Not once you have lived in a covered unit for 12 months (24 months if a new adult joined the lease partway through). After that the landlord needs a just cause, and for a no-fault reason such as an owner move-in must pay relocation equal to 1 month's rent or waive the final month.
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in California?
One month's rent, furnished or unfurnished. A small landlord (an individual owning no more than 2 rental properties with 4 or fewer units) can charge 2 months, except to an active-duty service member.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in California?
21 days after you move out, with an itemized statement of any deductions. Receipts must be included when repair and cleaning charges total more than $125. Keeping a deposit in bad faith can cost the landlord up to 2 times the deposit on top of actual damages.
How much notice does a landlord need to enter my apartment?
Generally 24 hours' written notice, during normal business hours, and only for a legitimate reason such as repairs, showings or an inspection. No notice is needed in an emergency or if you have abandoned the unit.
This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Local ordinances can give tenants more protection than state law. If you've received an eviction notice, contact a local tenant rights organization or legal aid office right away. Sources: Civil Code 827, 1942, 1942.5, 1946.2, 1947.12, 1950.5 and 1954; AB 12 (2023); AB 414 (2025); U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics CPI-U for California metro areas; FTB 2025 Form 540 booklet.