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.