Renting an apartment in California: a practical guide

Last reviewed: October 2026 · Information only, not legal advice.

Applying for an apartment

Expect to provide identification, proof of income and rental history, and to pay an application screening fee. California limits that fee and adjusts the maximum each year for inflation; the landlord must give you a receipt and, if they obtain a credit or consumer report, a copy on request (Civil Code §1950.6). Ask for the property's written screening criteria before you pay.

Under California fair housing law, landlords may not refuse to rent to you because part of your income comes from a housing voucher or other lawful public assistance.

Security deposits

• Limit: for tenancies starting on or after July 1, 2024, a deposit generally may not exceed one month's rent, whether or not the unit is furnished (Assembly Bill 12). Certain small landlords — individuals or family LLCs owning no more than two rental properties with no more than four units in total — may still charge up to two months.
• Return: within 21 days of move-out, the landlord must return the deposit or send an itemized statement of deductions, with receipts for larger repair charges (Civil Code §1950.5).
• Allowed deductions: unpaid rent, cleaning needed to return the unit to its move-in condition, and repair of damage beyond ordinary wear and tear.
• Photos: since 2025, California law requires landlords to photograph the unit at key points in a tenancy, which helps resolve disputes about pre-existing damage. Take and keep your own dated photos too.

Rent increases

For a month-to-month tenancy, a landlord must give at least 30 days' written notice of an increase of 10% or less, and 90 days' notice for a larger increase (Civil Code §827).

The Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) also caps annual increases for many units at 5% plus the regional change in the cost of living, up to a maximum of 10% in any 12-month period (Civil Code §1947.12). It generally covers multifamily buildings more than 15 years old; exemptions include most newer construction, deed-restricted affordable housing, and some single-family homes when the owner has given the required written notice. Many cities have stricter local rent stabilization rules.

Just-cause protections

After a tenant has lawfully occupied a covered unit for 12 months, the landlord generally needs a “just cause” listed in state law to end the tenancy (Civil Code §1946.2). For certain no-fault reasons, such as an owner move-in or substantial remodel, the landlord must offer relocation assistance or waive the final month's rent.

Repairs and habitability

Every rental home in California must meet basic habitability standards: weatherproofing, safe plumbing, gas and electrical systems, hot and cold running water, heating, working smoke detectors, and freedom from pests and hazardous conditions (Civil Code §1941.1).

1. Report problems in writing (portal, email or letter) and keep a copy.
2. Allow reasonable access for the repair after receiving proper notice.
3. If a serious problem is not fixed within a reasonable time, contact your local code enforcement office before taking any self-help step such as withholding rent — those remedies have strict legal requirements.

Landlord entry

Except in emergencies, the landlord must give reasonable written notice before entering — 24 hours is presumed reasonable (six days if mailed) — and enter only during normal business hours for a legitimate purpose such as repairs, inspections or showing the unit (Civil Code §1954).

Move-out checklist

• Give written notice according to your lease (typically 30 days for month-to-month tenancies).
• Ask for a pre-move-out inspection; California lets you request one so you can fix issues before you leave.
• Clean the unit to the condition it was in at move-in, apart from ordinary wear and tear.
• Photograph every room after you have moved your belongings out.
• Return all keys and provide a forwarding address for your deposit.