Short summaries of the rules that shape California leases, notices, and deposit papers on LeaseGen.io. Last reviewed 2026-08-15. Not legal advice.
Security deposits
Cap
1× rent
Return clock
21 days after the tenancy ends
Most California landlords may collect no more than one month’s rent as a security deposit, furnished or not. A qualifying small landlord (a natural person, or an LLC owned only by natural persons, with no more than two rental properties totaling four or fewer units) may collect up to two months’ rent unless the tenant is a service member, who stays at one month. Unused deposit must generally be returned within 21 days after the tenant vacates.
For a month-to-month tenancy, 30 days’ written notice is typical if the tenant has lived in the unit less than one year; 60 days if one year or more (Civ. Code § 1946.1). Local just-cause ordinances and statewide AB 1482 can require a lawful reason to terminate.
Except in an emergency, landlords generally must give reasonable written notice before entry. 24 hours is presumed reasonable (Civ. Code § 1954).
California Civil Code section 827 generally requires 30 days’ written notice if the increase is 10% or less of the lowest rent charged in the prior 12 months, and 90 days if the increase is more than 10%. AB 1482 and local rent-control rules can also cap how much rent may go up, even when the notice period is met.
California’s 3-day pay-or-quit is the usual nonpayment notice. Just-cause rules (AB 1482 and many cities) can block a no-fault termination. This paper is not an unlawful-detainer complaint.
Nonpayment generally takes a 3-day notice to pay rent or quit (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 1161(2)). Count excludes Saturdays, Sundays, and judicial holidays after AB 2347.
Pay-or-quit deadline: 3 days
Serve under Code of Civil Procedure § 1162: personal delivery, substituted service, or posting and mailing. Complete a proof of service.
AB 1482 and many city ordinances require a lawful reason to terminate after the tenant has been there long enough.
California residential leases commonly need these statewide disclosures. The lease generator adds them when your answers trigger them.
Megan’s Law database notice
Every residential lease must include the statutory notice pointing tenants to meganslaw.ca.gov. The wording is prescribed and should not be paraphrased.
Bed bug information
Provide written information on bed bug identification, behavior, and how to report a suspected infestation before the tenancy begins.
Smoking policy
Disclose whether smoking is allowed on the property and in which areas, if any.
AB 1482 / Tenant Protection Act notice
State whether the tenancy is covered by statewide rent-cap and just-cause rules, or quote the statutory exemption language if you claim an exemption.
These California cities often have rent-control, just-cause, or relocation rules on top of state law. Confirm the ordinance before you raise rent or decline to renew.
alameda · berkeley · beverly hills · east palo alto · glendale · hayward · inglewood · long beach · los angeles · mountain view · oakland · palm springs · pasadena · richmond · sacramento · san francisco · san jose · santa monica · west hollywood