California Renters' Rights

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in California

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.

Illegal Eviction Procedures in California

California landlords must follow specific rules and procedures when evicting a tenant

California Notice Requirements to Terminate a Month-to-Month Tenancy

Both landlords and tenants in California must give notice to end a month-to-month tenancy. The rules for landlords get complicated, though, when a tenant has lived in the rental for 12 months or longer.

California Late Fees, Termination for Nonpayment of Rent, and Other Rent Rules

Find out California rent rules, including limits on late fees and bounced check fees, notice required to increase the rent or end the tenancy for nonpayment of rent, and rent control.

California Tenant Rights to Withhold Rent or “Repair and Deduct”

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.

FAQs About California Tenants' Rights

Questions about unfair lease terms, rights to translated leases, when one can bring in a waterbed, and more.

What Disclosures Do Landlords in California Need to Give Tenants?

California landlords must make a number of disclosures to tenants.

Tenant Rights to Smoke in California Rental Units

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

Updates on California Rent Control and Rent Stabilization Laws

Regularly updated city-by-city rent control rules in California, with information on other protections for tenants.

Filing a Security Deposit Lawsuit in California Small Claims Court

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

California Security Deposit Limits and Deadlines

A breakdown of California landlord-tenant laws on security deposits.