21 days
to return a deposit
State rules · CA
California landlord-tenant rules
The six rules landlords and renters ask about most in California, each with the statute it comes from.
60 days
landlord notice, month-to-month
Notice to vacate
In California, a landlord must give 60 days’ notice to end a month-to-month tenancy, and a tenant must give 30 days’ notice.
No cap
on late fees
Late fees
California law sets no dollar or percentage cap on late fees and no required grace period, so your lease sets the terms.
30 days
notice before an increase
Rent increase notice
California landlords must give at least 30 days’ notice before raising the rent on a month-to-month tenancy.
24 hours
notice before entry
Landlord entry
In California, the law treats 24 hours’ notice as reasonable before a landlord enters, except in an emergency.
$12,500
small claims limit
Not legal advice. Statutes change; check the linked section. The law behind each rule: California Civil Code, Division 3, Part 4, Title 5, Chapter 2 (Hiring of Real Property), §§ 1940–1954; Code of Civil Procedure §§ 1159–1179a.
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