California Tenant Rights
Know Your Protections

Under California Civil Code 1950.5, your landlord must return your security deposit within 21 days after you vacate the property. They must provide an itemized statement of any deductions. If they fail to return the deposit or provide proper documentation, you may be entitled to recover up to twice the amount of the deposit in bad faith damages. Use our Security Deposit Demand Letter to assert your rights.

No. Under the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482), most California landlords are limited to annual rent increases of 5% plus local CPI, with a maximum of 10%. This applies to properties built before 2005 that aren't exempt (like single-family homes not owned by corporations). Local rent control ordinances in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Oakland may have even stricter limits. If your rent was increased more than allowed, use our Rent Overcharge Demand Letter.

California law provides several remedies when landlords fail to maintain habitable conditions. You can: (1) Send a written demand letter documenting the issues; (2) File a complaint with your local code enforcement agency; (3) Use the "repair and deduct" remedy under Civil Code 1942 to fix issues and deduct costs from rent (up to one month); (4) Withhold rent in severe cases; or (5) Sue for breach of the implied warranty of habitability. Start with our Habitability Demand Letter to formally notify your landlord.

This is an illegal "self-help eviction" prohibited by California Civil Code 789.3. Your landlord cannot change locks, remove your belongings, or shut off utilities to force you out. You're entitled to $100 per day minimum damages for each day of violation, plus actual damages (hotel costs, lost property, etc.) and attorney fees. Call the police to document the lockout, then use our Wrongful Lockout Demand Letter. You may also seek an emergency court order to regain access.

For most tenants who have lived in their unit for 12 months or more, the answer is no. Under AB 1482, landlords must have "just cause" to evict, which includes at-fault reasons (like nonpayment or lease violations) or no-fault reasons (like owner move-in or substantial renovations). No-fault evictions require relocation payments equal to one month's rent. If you believe your eviction lacks just cause, consult our Illegal Eviction Demand Letter.

Under Civil Code 1954, your landlord must provide 24 hours written notice before entering your rental unit, and entry is limited to specific purposes: making repairs, showing the unit to prospective tenants or buyers, or inspecting for damage. The notice must state the date, approximate time, and purpose of entry. Entry must be during normal business hours unless you agree otherwise. Emergencies (like a fire or flood) are the only exception. Repeated unauthorized entries may constitute harassment - use our Illegal Entry Demand Letter to address violations.

Yes. Mold that affects habitability or poses health risks violates California's implied warranty of habitability. Under Health & Safety Code 17920.3, visible mold growth that is not minor can make a dwelling substandard. Your landlord is responsible for addressing moisture sources and remediating mold. Document the mold with photos, report health symptoms to your doctor, and notify your landlord in writing. If they fail to act, you may have claims for property damage, medical expenses, and rent reduction. Use our Mold Exposure Demand Letter to start the process.