California Landlord
Compliance Checklist

California capped deposits at one month as of July 1, 2024. Still charging two months? Violation carries penalties up to 2× the deposit amount.

AB 2801 requires dated photographic documentation at move-in and move-out. No photos means you cannot make deposit deductions.

Do you know if your property is covered? If yes — do your notices reference the correct just cause reason?

Does your lease say tenant is responsible for all repairs, security deposit is non-refundable, or landlord may enter at any time? All three are illegal in California.

Lead paint, mold, Megan's Law, flood zone, shared utilities, AB 1482 addendum — are all of these signed and on file?

If your property is under AB 1482 or local rent control, have you stayed within the annual cap? Excess increases must be refunded.

Do you have documented proof of service for every notice you have ever given your tenant? No proof of service means no eviction.

AB 2747 requires landlords to offer tenants the option of positive rent reporting to credit bureaus as of April 2025.

Do you have an itemized statement returned within 21 days of move-out with receipts? Missing this forfeits your right to deductions.

Does your lease comply with local ordinances for your specific city? Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, and San Diego all have additional requirements on top of state law.