Tenant's Rights
Charles Chang
President and Managing Broker. Our mission is to provide unparalleled property management solutions and real estate transaction expertise. With integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to quality for our clients.
What’s Bringing People to California
It’s no secret that California has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the U.S. Home to nine national parks, which is more than any other state, there’s no shortage of opportunities to experience the best of our country’s natural beauty in California. The giants of Redwood National Park, the magnificent walls of Yosemite, and the magic of the Channel Islands are just a few of the wonders that await.
California’s food scene is famous on the international stage and an important part of any visit is sampling all the delicious cuisines! Some of the best Mexican food in the U.S. can be found in California, along with a host of other cuisines from all over the world. The state’s west coast location means access to great seafood like crab, shrimp, and salmon straight from the Pacific.
California is a true melting pot of cultures, and as the most populous U.S. state it offers a wealth of diversity and new experiences to visitors. Whether you’re visiting the big cities of San Francisco or Los Angeles or venturing off the beaten path, you’ll have opportunities to expand your horizons and meet people from all over the world. Cultural events abound, international cuisine is plentiful and the state is known to have a laid-back vibe that is often appealing to visitors.
The moderate climate of California means that no matter what time of year you plan to visit, you’ll be met with weather that isn’t too extreme. On average the state gets over 250 sunny days per year! In the winter temperatures are cool or even mild in most of the state. But if you’re looking for a snowy winter vacation don’t worry – California features some amazing peaks that are perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and climbing.
California is home to more theme parks than any other state! Some of the world’s most popular parks can be found in the Golden State including Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, Six Flags Magic Mountain, and Knott’s Berry Farm just to name a few. Whether you’re a thrill seeker or looking for something a bit tamer, a trip to an amusement park is a great group activity that offers something for everyone.
Home to Hollywood and some of the world’s biggest celebrities, California is a beacon of the entertainment industry. This extends beyond film into television, theater, and music, too! Check out the Hollywood Walk of Fame and take a studio tour, attend a taping of a TV show, take in the sounds of the LA Opera, or experience one of the state’s many incredible music festivals. In Los Angeles, entertainment options are truly endless.
New 2024 housing laws impacting California tenants and landlords
TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Moving into a new apartment in California may now be more affordable for many renters.
Assembly Bill 12 limits the amount landlords can charge for a security deposit to just one month's rent instead of two.
Action News spoke with tenants at one Visalia apartment complex a few weeks ago who shared their frustration from paying thousands up front for a deposit.
"They did charge us $7,000 down to move into the apartment. It's wild to me, it's insane that they can ask that much legally," said Taylor Smith, an apartment tenant.
Another tenant who does not want to be identified said scrambling to come up with the deposit money during the holidays left her stressed and depressed.
"It was kind of devastating because it left us hard to come up with next month's rent. I was getting ready to start a new job getting here. So, it was kind of rough, which left no food on the table for a while," they say.
Other new laws also aim to make housing more accessible in California.
Senate Bill 4 removes certain barriers to allow churches, religious organizations, and nonprofit colleges to build affordable housing on their land.
5 changes to California tenancy laws that landlords should know about in 2024
1. Changes to no-fault eviction rules will affect owner move-ins and remodels
Legislation: Senate Bill 567
Changes come into effect: 1 April, 2024
The California Tenant Protection Act of 2019 has been amended, altering rules around “no-fault” evictions or termination of a residential lease agreement. As of April 2024, more details will be required if a homeowner wants to end a tenancy due to moving in or undergoing a major remodel of the property.
2. Security deposits are now capped at one month’s rent
Legislation: Assembly Bill 12
Changes come into effect: July 1, 2024
As of July 2024, security bonds will be capped at an amount equal to one month’s rent. Previous laws allowed up to three months' rent to be collected in bond, on top of the standard first month paid before occupancy. With rents skyrocketing across the states, move-in costs became unaffordable for renters, especially furnished properties. Going forward, if you charge a monthly rent of $2,500 p/m, the move-in cost will be capped at $5,000 inclusive of the security deposit and first-month rent. This cap applies to both furnished and unfurnished homes.
3. Homeowners will be better protected from illegal occupancy
Legislation: Senate Bill 602
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Changes come into effect: January 1, 2024
Trespassing and ‘squatting’ can be a real concern to homeowners with vacant properties. From 2024, a homeowner can alert local law enforcement that their property is uninhabited, allowing law enforcement officials to remove any trespasser who attempts to take up residence or claims to be a legal occupant. Previously a trespass notice was only valid for 30 days. The amendment to SB 602 extends trespass letter validity to a full 12 months and it can be submitted electronically (if your local jurisdiction allows). When a valid letter is on file, homeowners won’t need to go to court to evict anyone living illegally on their property.
4. New screening laws will prevent credit history discrimination
Legislation: Senate Bill 267
Changes come into effect: January 1, 2024
If you manage your tenant screening, make sure you update your process for 2024.
If an applicant is receiving a government rental subsidy, you will need to revise how you consider their credit history and application to rent your home. To avoid discrimination, amendments to SB 267 prohibit landlords from using a person’s credit history unless they are given the option to provide alternative evidence of their ability to pay their portion of the rent. These could be benefit statements, pay records, or bank statements. You must also give them a reasonable amount of time to provide this information and reasonably consider it instead of their credit history when deciding whether to offer them a lease agreement.
5. San Francisco introduced an “empty home” tax
Legislation: Proposition M
Changes come into effect: January 1, 2024
From 2024, Bay Area property owners with at least three units that have been vacant for more than six months will be taxed $2,500 - $5,000 per empty unit. Penalties will increase yearly to up to $20,000. Money collected will be invested in subsidizing affordable housing in the city, including for people over the age of 60.
California Landlord-Tenant Laws 2024
Laws about rent increase
Laws about security deposits
Security deposits are a good way for landlords to protect their investments, but they can be burdensome to tenants. In states without good regulation, many people who do not have significant savings can struggle to find housing solely because they do not have the cash upfront to pay for a security deposit.
Laws about rental application
California landlords can charge application fees to cover the cost of screenings, which may include personal reference checks and credit checks. Tenants may offer their credit report upon application, but the landlord is not required to accept it as a substitute for performing their check (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.6 (2023)).
Laws about rent
A rental agreement must regulate all legal tenancy in California. California Civil Code § 800.5 defines a rental agreement as:
"An agreement between the management and the homeowner establishing the terms and conditions of a tenancy.”
Laws about the lease
Leases, or rental agreements, legally bind the tenant to pay the rent for a specific duration of time. California landlords must include the terms and conditions of the lease, consequences for defaulting on payments, late fees, and security deposits.
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