California Landlord Guide
What Disclosures Are Required in a California Lease?
California requires 10+ mandatory disclosures in every lease. Missing even one can void your rent increases — or expose you to a lawsuit.
Quick Answer
California law mandates 10+ written disclosures in every residential lease. These cover everything from lead paint and mold to rent cap notices and pest control. Missing a required disclosure can void a rent increase, expose you to statutory penalties up to $19,507 per violation, and give tenants grounds to sue. Rent-controlled cities add additional requirements on top of state law.
The 10 Required California Lease Disclosures
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
42 U.S.C. §4852d — Pre-1978 properties
Required for any dwelling built before 1978. Must provide the EPA-approved pamphlet “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home”, disclose any known lead hazards, and get tenant signature. Penalty: up to $19,507 per violation under federal law.
Mold Disclosure
CA Health & Safety Code §26147–26148
Landlords must disclose the existence of any known mold that poses a health risk. Required at or before lease signing. Must include the state-provided mold disclosure form with the lease. Applies to all residential rentals regardless of property age.
Bed Bug Disclosure
CA Civil Code §1954.603
Before a new tenancy, landlords must provide a written disclosure about bed bug behavior, symptoms of infestation, and tenant’s responsibility to report. Added by AB 551 (2016). Tenants who discover bed bugs must notify you in writing within 72 hours.
Flood Zone Disclosure
CA Government Code §8589.45
If the rental unit is in a special flood hazard area designated by FEMA, you must disclose this to the tenant in writing. Required since 2022. You must also disclose if the property is in a state-designated floodway or a flood risk area under the DWR hazard map.
Sex Offender Database Notice (Megan’s Law)
CA Civil Code §2079.10a
Every California lease must include written notice that the state’s Megan’s Law sex offender registry is available for public search at www.meganslaw.ca.gov. This is a verbatim statutory notice — the exact language is specified in Civil Code §2079.10a. Missing this language invalidates the disclosure.
AB 1482 Rent Cap Notice
CA Civil Code §1946.2(f)
Required for all residential leases, even those exempt from the rent cap. The lease must include a written notice stating whether the property is subject to AB 1482 (the Tenant Protection Act) or exempt, and the reason for any exemption. Missing this notice can void a rent increase even if the increase itself was lawful.
Smoking Policy Disclosure
CA Civil Code §1947.5
The lease must state the property’s smoking policy in writing, including whether smoking is prohibited in all or part of the unit, on the property, and in common areas. If no smoking policy is in the lease, the landlord may not prohibit it without proper notice later.
Demolition Intent Notice
CA Civil Code §1940.6
If you have applied for or received a permit to demolish the rental unit, you must disclose this in writing before entering into a new lease. Failure to disclose gives the tenant the right to terminate the lease and pursue damages. Applies even if demolition is planned years in advance.
Pest Control Disclosure
CA Civil Code §1940.8
If the property has an ongoing pest control contract (e.g., monthly spraying), you must give the tenant a copy of the pest control company’s inspection report or notice at the beginning of the tenancy. Tenants must be informed of pesticide applications 24 hours in advance.
Military Ordnance Location Disclosure
CA Civil Code §1940.7
If the property is within one mile of a former federal or state military training ground where live ordnance may exist, you must disclose this to the tenant in writing before executing the lease. This applies to areas near former military bases, firing ranges, and training sites across California.
Additional Local Disclosures for Rent-Controlled Cities
If your property is in a rent-controlled city, state-level disclosures are the floor, not the ceiling. These cities impose additional written disclosure requirements:
| City | Additional Disclosure Required |
|---|---|
| San Francisco | Rent Board notice, just-cause eviction rights, Ellis Act buyout rights |
| Los Angeles | LARSO just-cause notice, RSO exemption notice, buyout offer disclosure |
| Oakland | Rent Adjustment Program notice, just-cause protections, relocation benefits |
| Santa Monica | Rent Control Board notice, eviction restriction notice |
| Berkeley | Rent Stabilization Board notice, Measure MM protections |
Always verify local requirements with your city’s rent board. Requirements change with each election cycle.
What Happens If You Miss a Disclosure?
Disclosure violations have real, escalating consequences:
- Rent increases voided — A missing AB 1482 notice makes any rent increase unenforceable, even if the amount was within the legal cap
- Tenant right to sue — Many disclosure statutes grant tenants private rights of action for damages plus attorney’s fees
- Statutory penalties — Lead disclosure violations can reach $19,507 per violation under federal law
- Lease termination rights — Demolition disclosure failures give tenants the right to break the lease immediately
- Regulatory complaints — Tenants can file with the California Department of Consumer Affairs or local rent board
- Defense in eviction proceedings — Missing disclosures give tenants procedural defenses that delay or dismiss unlawful detainer actions
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