California landlords

California landlord software built around AB 1482 and AB 12

California has some of the most detailed landlord-tenant rules in the country. AB 1482 rent caps, AB 12 deposit limits, strict notice requirements, and just-cause eviction protections. LeaseRooster keeps the caps, the notices, and the paperwork in one place so you are not tracking them by hand.

About California

California is the strictest state on this list, and the two dates that matter run in opposite directions. AB 12 caps the deposit at one month's rent for an unfurnished unit from July 1, 2024, with an exception letting a landlord who owns no more than two residential properties totaling four or fewer units collect two months. At the other end, Civ. Code 1950.5 gives you 21 days after move-out to return the deposit or send an itemized statement, and subsection (f) requires you to offer a pre-move-out inspection so the tenant gets a chance to fix what you would otherwise deduct for.

  • Source: Cal. Civ. Code 1950.5, California Legislative Information (https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=1950.5)

AB 1482 rent increase cap

Lesser of 5% + CPI or 10%

  • Applies to most buildings 15+ years old. Rolling 12-month look-back applies.

Security deposit cap (AB 12)

1 month rent (unfurnished)

  • Effective July 1, 2024. Small-landlord exception: up to 2 months if you own 4 or fewer units.

Month-to-month notice to quit

30 days (under 1 year) / 60 days (1+ year)

  • Just-cause required in most cities and under AB 1482-covered tenancies.

Non-payment notice

3-day pay-or-quit

  • California Code of Civil Procedure 1161(2). Must be served by personal delivery or substituted service.

Deposit return deadline

21 days after move-out

  • Itemized accounting required for any deduction. Late return forfeits the deposit.

Pre-move-out inspection

Required on request

  • California Civil Code 1950.5(f): tenant must be offered a pre-move-out inspection and an itemized list of potential deductions.

The numbers that matter

1 month: AB 12 deposit cap on an unfurnished unit

Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=1950.5

21 days: To return the deposit or send an itemized statement

Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=1950.5

5% + CPI: AB 1482 annual rent cap, never above 10%

Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=1947.12

Stay on the right side of California landlord law

AB 1482 caps, AB 12 deposit limits, and the 21-day return deadline, tracked automatically. Your first 3 units are free to try.