2024 California Rental Law Updates

Assembly Bill 12 – Changes to Security Deposit Regulations

Assembly Bill 12 went into effect on July 1, 2024. It limits security deposits to one month’s rent for furnished and unfurnished rental units. This is a significant change from the previous limit of 2 months’ rent for unfurnished rental units and 3 months’ rent for furnished rental units.

Bill 12 provides a notable exemption for “Small Landlords.” A “Small Landlord” is defined as a Landlord who:

  • Owns no more than 2 residential rental properties that include no more than 4 dwelling units; and
  • Holds the properties as a natural person, an LLC where all members are natural persons, or as a family trust.

Landlords who meet this qualification may charge up to 2 months’ rent for the security deposit.

California Senate Bill 567 – Changes to No-Fault Evictions

California Bill 567 went into on April 1, 2024. Here are the notable impacts it has for Landlords:

No-Fault Just Cause Evictions

Bill 567 changes the requirements for terminating a Tenancy due to the Landlord moving in and substantial remodels.

Under California Civil Code § 1946.2, Landlords may not terminate a Tenancy if Tenants have been in a property for at least 12 months without “just cause.” Landlords may terminate a Tenancy for no-fault just cause if:

  • The Landlord or the Landlord’s spouse, domestic partner, children, grandchildren, parents, and/or grandparents intend to occupy the property;
  • The Landlord plans to withdraw the property from the rental market;
  • A government order requiring the Landlord to remove Tenants from the property; or
  • Intent to demolish or substantially remodel the property.

As a renter i never gave more than a one month deposit. Whenever I was ready to move out I always gave 30 days notice but I did a walk through and paid for anything that was amiss, usually small things. Nobody ever gave me a problem with it.