California Landlord-Tenant Law: The Verified Rules (2026)
Every value below cites its statute and shows the date we last checked it. Where we haven't verified a rule yet, we say so — we never guess at the law.
Security deposits
Maximum deposit
VerifiedOne month's rent (AB 12, effective July 1, 2024). A small landlord who owns no more than 2 residential properties with 4 or fewer total units may collect up to two months' rent.
Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5 · Last verified June 12, 2026 · Deposit interest tool for California →
Return deadline
Verified21 days
Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5 · Last verified June 1, 2026 · Deposit return tool for California →
Itemized statement required
VerifiedYes
Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5 · Last verified June 1, 2026 · Deposit return tool for California →
Rent, fees, and notice
Late fee limit
Spot-check advisedNo statutory cap (must be reasonable)
Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1671 · Last verified June 1, 2026 · Late fee tool for California →
Late fee grace period
Spot-check advised0 days
Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1671 · Last verified June 1, 2026 · Late fee tool for California →
Rent increase notice
Verified30 days
Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 827 · Last verified June 1, 2026 · Rent increase notice tool for California →
The California Landlord Law Cheat Sheet
Everything on this page as a one-page PDF — plus an email when a California rule changes.
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Not legal advice. LandlordKit provides general informational tools, not legal advice. Landlord-tenant laws change and vary by city and county. Verify the cited statute and consult a licensed attorney before acting on any result.