California Lease Requirements Guide for 2025

California has some of the most comprehensive landlord-tenant laws in the United States. Getting a lease wrong isn't just an inconvenience — missing required disclosures can void lease terms, expose landlords to liability, and in some cases result in civil penalties. This guide covers every required disclosure, lease term, and landlord obligation under California law as of 2025.

Required Disclosures on Every California Lease

Required Lease Terms Under California Law

AB 12 Security Deposit Rules — 2025

Effective July 1, 2024, AB 12 limits security deposits to one month's rent for most California landlords. The exception for small individual landlords (owns no more than 2 residential properties with max 4 total units) allows up to two months. Pet deposits and security deposits are combined for purposes of this limit — landlords cannot charge a separate pet deposit that exceeds the total cap. The 21-day return requirement with itemized statement of deductions remains unchanged, and failure to comply can result in liability for twice the deposit amount.

AB 1482 Just Cause Eviction Disclosures

Properties covered by AB 1482 must include specific language in the lease informing tenants of their just cause eviction rights. At-fault just cause categories include non-payment of rent, breach of lease, nuisance, and criminal activity on the property. No-fault just cause categories include owner move-in, substantial renovation, and withdrawal from the rental market — all of which require relocation assistance equal to one month's rent.

Properties that qualify for an AB 1482 exemption (single-family homes and condos owned by individuals) must include the specific exemption notice language in the lease or as a signed addendum. Without this notice, the property may be treated as covered even if it would otherwise qualify for exemption.

Entry Notice Requirements

California Civil Code 1954 requires a minimum of 24 hours written notice before entering a rental unit for non-emergency purposes. Notice can be delivered in person, left with a household member, posted on the door, or sent electronically if the tenant has agreed to electronic notice. The notice must include the date, approximate time, and reason for entry. Emergencies — including suspected gas leaks, floods, or fire — allow immediate entry without notice. Landlords who enter without proper notice may face harassment claims and liability.

Required Habitability Standards

California landlords must maintain rental properties in habitable condition at all times. Habitability requirements include working heat (capable of 70°F at 3 feet above floor), working plumbing and electrical, weatherproofing and waterproofing, pest control (if caused by building conditions), functioning smoke detectors in each bedroom and outside sleeping areas, and carbon monoxide detectors on every level with a bedroom.

Landlords who fail to maintain habitability may face rent withholding, repair-and-deduct remedies, or habitability lawsuits. Tenants who withhold rent for habitability issues must follow specific procedures, but landlords who ignore habitability complaints create serious legal exposure. The lease must not include any waiver of habitability rights — such waivers are void under California law.