California Landlord Compliance Checklist

1. Rent Increases (AB 1482 — Tenant Protection Act)

• Verify if your property is subject to AB 1482 rent caps (most residential properties built 15+ years ago)
• Calculate maximum allowable rent increase: 5% + local CPI, or 10% — whichever is less
• Look up your regional CPI (April-to-April) from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Check for local rent control ordinances that may be stricter than AB 1482 (SF, LA, Oakland, Berkeley, San Jose, etc.)
• Provide 30-day written notice for increases of 10% or less
• Provide 90-day written notice for increases greater than 10%
• Confirm rent has not been increased within the last 12 months
• If exempt (single-family home, new construction), serve the required AB 1482 exemption notice to tenant

2. Security Deposits

• Limit security deposit to 1 month's rent for unfurnished units (AB 12, effective July 2024)
• Limit security deposit to 2 months' rent for furnished units
• Return security deposit within 21 days of move-out (Civil Code §1950.5)
• Provide itemized statement of deductions with receipts or estimates
• If repairs exceed initial estimate, provide final accounting within 14 days of completion
• Document property condition at move-in and move-out (photos + written report)

3. Required Disclosures (Before or at Lease Signing)

• Lead-based paint disclosure (properties built before 1978)
• Mold disclosure — known mold or moisture conditions
• Megan's Law database disclosure (sex offender registry notice)
• Bed bug disclosure — known infestations or history
• Flood hazard zone disclosure (if applicable)
• Military ordnance location disclosure (if applicable)
• Demolition intent disclosure (if applicable)
• Pest control company information and reports
• Utility billing arrangements (shared meters, ratio billing)
• Smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector compliance statement
• AB 1482 rent cap and just cause eviction notice (if applicable)

4. Habitability (Civil Code §1941)

• Working plumbing with hot and cold running water
• Functioning heating system
• Electrical lighting and wiring in good working order
• Weatherproofing — no leaks in roof, walls, windows, or doors
• Clean and sanitary common areas and grounds
• Working smoke detectors in each bedroom and hallway (hardwired preferred)
• Carbon monoxide detectors on each floor with fuel-burning appliances
• Adequate trash receptacles
• Locks on all exterior doors and windows
• No pest infestations (rodents, roaches, bed bugs)

5. Just Cause Eviction (AB 1482)

• Confirm tenant has occupied unit for 12+ months before serving termination
• Document valid at-fault just cause (nonpayment, lease violation, nuisance, etc.)
• For no-fault evictions: provide relocation assistance (1 month's rent) OR waive final month
• Serve proper notice: 3-day (nonpayment), 3-day (curable violation), 30/60-day (no-fault)
• Use correct notice form — California Judicial Council forms recommended
• Never attempt self-help eviction (lockouts, utility shutoffs, removing belongings)

6. Fair Housing

• No discrimination based on: race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, familial status, disability, source of income, veteran status
• Apply consistent screening criteria to all applicants
• Provide reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities
• Accept Section 8 / Housing Choice Vouchers (required in California since 2020, SB 329)
• Do not inquire about immigration status

7. Lease Requirements

• Written lease for tenancies longer than 12 months (oral leases are valid but risky)
• Include all legally required disclosures (see Section 3)
• Specify late fee amount and grace period (must be "reasonable" — typically 5-6% of rent)
• Include landlord's name, address, and agent for service of process
• Specify rules for subletting, pets, parking, and common areas
• Provide tenant a signed copy of the lease within 15 days

8. Annual / Recurring Compliance

• Review rent increase calculations each May (when new CPI data is published)
• Test and document smoke detector and CO detector function annually
• Inspect properties for habitability issues at least annually
• Update lease templates when laws change
• Review insurance coverage annually (general liability + landlord policy)
• File rental income on tax returns (Schedule E) and track deductible expenses
• Monitor local ordinance changes (city council agendas, apartment association updates)
• Renew business license if required by your city