California Landlord Compliance Checklist (AB-1482 & Local)
Essential compliance checklist for California landlords: AB-1482 rent control, just cause eviction, local ordinances (LA/SF/Oakland), and registration requirements.
California has some of the most tenant-protective landlord-tenant laws in the USA. AB-1482 established statewide rent control and just cause eviction, while local ordinances in LA, SF, Oakland add additional requirements.
AB-1482 Statewide Compliance
State rent control and just cause eviction requirements
Verify AB-1482 applicability
Applies to properties 15+ years old (exemptions: single-family with specific disclosure, condos)
Calculate maximum rent increase
5% + local CPI, maximum 10% total per year. Check BLS CPI monthly.
Verify just cause for eviction
15 specified reasons: at-fault (non-payment, lease violation) or no-fault (owner move-in, demolition)
Provide proper notice periods
30-day for rent increase <10%, 90-day if ≥10%. 60-day for no-fault eviction.
Local Ordinance Compliance
LA, SF, Oakland have stricter requirements than state law
Los Angeles RSO registration
Properties pre-1978 must register annually with LA Housing Dept. Cannot evict/raise rent if unregistered.
San Francisco Rent Board registration
Properties pre-1979 subject to SF rent control (typically 3-4% annual cap, lower than state)
Pay local relocation assistance
LA: $8,700-$21,500, SF: $7,500-$12,000+, Oakland: up to $11,000 for no-fault evictions
Security Deposits & Habitability
Deposit limits and property standards
Security deposit limits
2 months rent (unfurnished) or 3 months (furnished)
Return deposit within 21 days
Provide itemized statement of deductions. Penalty for bad faith: forfeit deposit + up to 2x damages
Maintain habitability standards
Heat, water, electricity, smoke/CO detectors, deadbolts, address mold promptly
Pro Tips
- •Register property immediately in LA/SF/Oakland - cannot evict or raise rent if unregistered
- •Calculate rent increase as 5% + CPI, never assume 10% - check BLS CPI monthly
- •Document just cause with photos and dated communications - tenant attorneys challenge everything
- •Consider professional buyout negotiator in SF ($30k-100k typical, avoids Ellis Act complexity)
Related Resources
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