Disclaimer
What to expect from this guide
This guide is not a substitute for legal advice. It is a general guide to help you understand your rights and responsibilities as a renter under California law. It is not a comprehensive guide to all landlord-tenant laws in California, and local ordinances in some cities may add requirements beyond the state laws summarized here. Laws also change frequently — several of the rules described in this guide took effect only in the last few years.
For questions about your specific situation, you can consult an attorney or the resources published by the California Department of Real Estate and the California Attorney General.
Content last reviewed September 4, 2026. See Sources for the publications this guide is based on.