California landlord law

A summary of the numbers that come up most often. For anything you plan to act on, verify against current statute or with counsel in California.

Security deposit cap

1 month's rent (AB 12, since 7/1/2024)

Notice to pay or quit

3 business days

End month-to-month tenancy

30 days (60 if tenancy ≥ 1 year)

Rent control

Statewide cap under AB 1482 for many buildings

Source-of-income protection

Yes — includes Section 8

Notes

Just-cause eviction protections apply to most units under AB 1482.