California Renters' Rights

Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease without penalty in California, and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.

California law prohibits landlords from taking self-help actions to evict a tenant. Instead, California landlords must follow specific rules and procedures when they want a tenant to move out.

Although it’s legal in some situations to withhold rent or “repair and deduct” in California, if you don’t follow the law closely, you’ll risk eviction.

Learn California landlords' rights to prohibit smoking in rental properties.

Cities with rent control rules in California, with information on eviction protection.

California law allows tenants to end their tenancy early when the tenant, a household member, or an immediate family member has become the victim of certain crimes.

In California, new and existing tenants are entitled to specific information about bed bug infestation and how to report a new problem.

California landlords must make a number of disclosures to tenants.

Here’s an overview of the steps involved with filing a security deposit lawsuit in California.

Empower Yourself: DIY Products by Nolo

Sidestep the lawyers with do-it-yourself books, documents, and software.

Protect your rights as a tenant and learn how to deal with problem landlords using the forms and information in these two books.
The go-to survival guide for California tenants
Minimize disputes over security deposits with this easy-to-use form.
Let your landlord know you're moving with this easy-to-use form.

Nolo offers hundreds of consumer-friendly, do-it-yourself legal products for all types of legal situations. Browse our full product list.

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