Renters Rights & Responsibilities
This guide is an overview of the rights and responsibilities of renters in Orange County. California law addresses most of the practical questions that come up during a tenancy: how much rent can increase, when a tenancy can be ended, how security deposits work, and the condition a rental unit must be kept in.
The guide outlines the following:
- Rent Stabilization — what it is, how much rent can increase, and which types of rentals it applies to
- Just Cause Evictions — the reasons a tenancy can be ended, both for cause and in limited no-fault situations
- Security Deposits — limits on deposit amounts, allowable deductions, and when a refund is due
- Health & Safety — the requirements for a safe and habitable rental unit, plus rules on entry, retaliation, and fair housing
Renters have responsibilities too — paying rent on time, keeping the unit clean, and taking reasonable care of the property — and those responsibilities appear throughout the guide alongside the rights.
This guide is limited and is not a substitute for legal advice. By continuing to use this guide, you agree to all terms and conditions.
Content last reviewed September 4, 2026. See Sources for the publications this guide is based on.