What is the new tenant law in California 2025?
Asked by: Jamie Herzog | Last update: February 13, 2026Score: 5/5 (8 votes)
California's new tenant laws for 2025 focus on enhanced security deposit rules, improved eviction process transparency, and tenant credit building, with key bills like AB 2801 requiring move-in/out documentation, AB 2347 extending response time for eviction notices to 10 days, and AB 2747 allowing positive rent payments to be reported to credit bureaus. Landlords face new requirements, including potentially greater security deposit transparency (AB 2801) and limits on application fees, while tenants gain rights to build credit and more time to respond to evictions.
What is the new law for renters in California in 2025?
For tenants starting their lease on or after April 1, 2025, positive rental payment reporting will be done at the beginning of the tenancy and at least once a year afterward. For residents whose lease goes past January 2025, this offer will be extended no later than April 2025, and at least once a year afterward.
What are the new California laws for 2026?
New California laws for 2026 cover a wide range, including a $16.90 minimum wage, mandatory working stoves/refrigerators in rentals (AB 628), caps on insulin costs, a statewide plastic bag ban, new data privacy rules (California Delete Act), requirements for AI use disclosure by law enforcement, and enhanced youth mental health resources on student IDs (Trevor Project hotline). Other changes affect housing near transit, food allergen labeling, IVF coverage, and election result timelines, with many taking effect January 1, 2026, and some later in the year.
Can my landlord raise my rent $300 dollars in California?
Yes, your landlord might be able to raise your rent by $300 in California, depending on your property's age, location, and local ordinances, as the statewide AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act) limits increases to 5% + local CPI (max 10%), but this law exempts many newer properties (built after 1995) and single-family homes/condos not owned by corporations, allowing larger hikes if proper notice (90 days for >10% increase) is given.
How much can a landlord raise rent in California in 2025?
In California for 2025, the maximum rent increase under state law (AB 1482) for most areas is around 8% (5% + 3% CPI) for increases starting August 1, 2025, though it varies by region, with some areas like LA seeing 8.0%, some counties 6.3% (Marin), and other cities having different local caps, like Sacramento's 7.7%; always check specific city/county rules as local control often supersedes state law.
BIG Changes in 2025 Rental Laws: Guide for California Landlords and Tenants!
Who is exempt from rent increase in California?
In California, properties exempt from the statewide rent cap (AB 1482) typically include new construction (built within 15 years), single-family homes and condos not owned by corporations (with proper notice), owner-occupied duplexes, and certain affordable housing or specialty housing like dorms, though landlords must still provide proper written notice for any increase. Even if exempt from the cap, landlords must follow other rules, like giving 30/60-day written notice for increases, and local rent control ordinances can offer more tenant protections.
Is $1500 a month too much for rent?
$1,500 a month for rent isn't universally "a lot"; it depends heavily on your location (major coastal cities vs. Midwest/South) and income, though it often requires a roughly $5,000/month gross income to follow the standard 30% rule, which can be tight in high-cost areas but affordable in many other U.S. cities where you can get decent space for that budget.
What is the most a private landlord can increase rent?
Your landlord can suggest any amount of rent increase. There are no rent controls in a private tenancy unless you're a regulated or protected tenant. Check your tenancy agreement for a rent review clause. This might say how much your rent can go up by.
How often can a landlord raise rent on a month-to-month lease in California?
Frequency: Landlords can implement a maximum of two rent increases in a 12-month period for month-to-month tenants. Proper notice: Landlords must provide a 30-day written notice for rent increases of 10% or less and a 60-day notice for increases above 10%.
What are three rights tenants have in California?
In California, three key tenant rights include the right to a habitable home (safe and healthy conditions like working plumbing/heat/locks), the right to privacy (requiring landlord notice for entry), and protection from retaliation and discrimination, meaning landlords can't evict or harass tenants for exercising their rights or based on protected classes like race, gender, or disability.
What is the 7 minute rule in California?
The "California 7-Minute Rule" refers to a federal payroll rounding practice where employee work hours are rounded to the nearest quarter-hour (15 mins) for pay, legal under federal law if neutral, but increasingly scrutinized in California due to court rulings requiring payment for all time worked, like the Troester case, making strict application challenging and requiring employers to avoid systematic underpayment, even for short daily work periods. Essentially, punches within 7 minutes of a quarter-hour (e.g., 8:00-8:07) round down, while 8 minutes or more (e.g., 8:08) rounds up, but California courts demand this neutrality and compensation for all work, making employers wary.
What new laws are coming to California in 2025?
California's new laws for 2025 cover diverse areas like housing (longer eviction response times, credit reporting for rent), environment (PFAS bans, plastic bag phase-out), education (LGBTQ+ support in foster care, Native American history curriculum), consumer protection (medical debt credit reporting, subscription cancellation), and workplace rules (freelancer payment terms, anti-union meeting bans), with many taking effect January 1st, 2025, though some have later effective dates, impacting renters, parents, businesses, and residents across the state.
Who has to pay $20 an hour in California?
In California, fast-food workers at chains with 60 or more locations nationwide get a minimum of $20 per hour, effective April 1, 2024, under the new AB 1228 law (the Fast Act). This law, which significantly raises the state's general minimum wage, covers employees at major chains like McDonald's, Starbucks, and Subway, though exemptions exist for places like airports, hotels, and some in-store eateries.
How much money does a landlord have to give a tenant to move out in California?
But, your landlord can still require you to move out for one of the “no-fault” reasons listed in the law. If your landlord evicts you for one of these reasons, they must first give you one month's rent or waive one month's rent to help you move out.
What will happen to rent in 2025?
Rent Increase by Rental Size
According to the latest estimates from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), median rents for 2025 are expected to be 4.8% higher nationally than in 2024, reflecting continued pressure on housing costs.
Did AB 306 pass in California?
Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 71.
What is the maximum amount of rent increase allowed in California in 2025?
In California for 2025, the maximum rent increase under state law (AB 1482) for most areas is around 8% (5% + 3% CPI) for increases starting August 1, 2025, though it varies by region, with some areas like LA seeing 8.0%, some counties 6.3% (Marin), and other cities having different local caps, like Sacramento's 7.7%; always check specific city/county rules as local control often supersedes state law.
Can a landlord terminate a month-to-month lease without cause in California?
A landlord uses a 60-day Notice to Quit if their tenant has been renting for 1 year or more. In many cases, landlords can't cancel a month-to-month tenancy for just any reason. They will need just cause if required under the Tenant Protection Act (🔗 opens in a new tab).
How much does a landlord have to pay for relocation in California?
The Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482) established statewide protections for tenants, including mandatory relocation assistance. The 1482 relocation fee equals one month's rent and must be provided when a landlord issues a no-fault termination notice.
How much can a private landlord raise rent in California?
Limits on Rent Increases
The Tenant Protection Act caps rent increases for most residential tenants in California. Landlords cannot raise rent more than 10% total or 5% plus the percentage change in the cost of living – whichever is lower – over a 12-month period.
What is the $27.39 rule?
The "27.39 Rule" (often rounded to $27.40) is a personal finance strategy to save $10,000 in one year by setting aside approximately $27.40 every single day, making large savings goals feel more manageable through consistent, small habit-forming deposits. This method breaks down the daunting task of saving $10,000 into daily, achievable micro-savings, encouraging discipline and helping build wealth over time.
How much should you make to afford $3,000 rent?
To afford $3,000 in rent, you generally need a gross annual income of $120,000, based on the common 30% rule (rent is 30% of income) or the 40x rule (income is 40x the monthly rent). This means a monthly gross income of around $10,000, but it can vary depending on other debts, location, and personal budgeting, with some recommending a higher income for more comfort.
Where am I supposed to live if I can't afford rent?
When you can't afford rent, explore government programs like HUD's Section 8 vouchers or public housing, seek help from local agencies by dialing 211 for emergency assistance, consider living with friends/family or finding roommates to share costs, look into alternative housing like tiny homes or caretaker roles, or find cheaper areas to live in, while also applying for emergency rental assistance for immediate relief.
How do you ask your landlord to not increase rent?
Point out your history
So if you've been a good tenant who always pays your rent on time, make that case to your landlord, who may be less inclined to raise your rent to the level it pushes you out. Elyanow suggested writing a friendly letter to your managing agent or landlord explaining your spotless track record.