State FRBO Guide
Rent Your Property in California
Without a Property Manager
California-specific lease requirements, security deposit rules, rent control status, and the tools you need to rent it yourself.
California Rental Laws at a Glance
California does not technically require a written lease for terms under 1 year, but AB 1482 (just cause eviction) and local rent control ordinances create strong practical reasons to always use a written lease.
Once a tenant has lived in a qualifying unit for 12 months, just cause is required for eviction under AB 1482. The lease term itself has no cap.
- ›Mold disclosure (Civil Code § 1102.6)
- ›Bed bug disclosure (Civil Code § 1954.603)
- ›Flood zone disclosure (if applicable)
- ›Shared utilities disclosure
- ›Meghna's Law sex offender notice
- ›Pest control disclosure (if applicable)
- ›Prop 65 warning (if applicable)
- ›Lead paint disclosure (pre-1978)
AB 12 (effective July 2024) reduced the limit. Must be returned within 21 days with itemized statement.
AB 1482 caps statewide rent increases at 5% + CPI (max 10%) for buildings 15+ years old. Additional local rent control applies in dozens of cities. Always check local ordinances before setting rent.
Need a California-specific lease? See attorney-reviewed lease forms ↓
Tools for California FRBO Landlords
List your California rental, screen tenants, get a state-specific lease, and insure it — no property manager required. (Affiliate links — we earn a small commission if you sign up, at no cost to you.)
List Your Rental
Post your rental to Zillow, Apartments.com, Rent.com, and dozens more from a single dashboard. Free for landlords — tenants pay the screening fee.
List for Free →Rent to travel nurses, relocating workers, and remote employees on 1–12 month leases. Higher nightly rates than traditional leases, lower turnover than Airbnb.
List on Furnished Finder →Tenant Screening & Leasing
Share a screening link with applicants and get a full TransUnion credit report, background check, and eviction history in minutes. Applicants pay — landlords screen for free.
Screen for Free →Run credit and background checks, send a state-specific lease for e-signature, and collect rent online with automatic reminders. Built for independent landlords.
Start Screening →Get a full credit report, criminal history, and eviction record. The applicant pays the $40 fee — you get the results instantly. No subscription required.
Run a Check →Legal & Lease Forms
Get a legally compliant lease agreement specific to your state. Also includes move-in inspection checklists, eviction notices, rent increase letters, and more.
Get Your Lease →Insurance
Standard homeowners insurance won't cover a rental. Steadily quotes landlord-specific policies online — covering lost rent, property damage, and liability.
Get a Quote →Moving Help for Tenants
Connect your new tenants with vetted local movers and labor-only help starting around $200. Faster move-ins mean fewer vacant days — share the link at lease signing.
Get Moving Quotes →Frequently Asked Questions — California Landlords
Is a written lease required in California?
California does not technically require a written lease for terms under 1 year, but AB 1482 (just cause eviction) and local rent control ordinances create strong practical reasons to always use a written lease.
What is the security deposit limit in California?
The limit is 1 month (unfurnished) / 2 months (furnished). AB 12 (effective July 2024) reduced the limit. Must be returned within 21 days with itemized statement.
Is there rent control in California?
Many — including LA, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Santa Monica. AB 1482 caps statewide rent increases at 5% + CPI (max 10%) for buildings 15+ years old. Additional local rent control applies in dozens of cities. Always check local ordinances before setting rent.
What disclosures are required in California lease agreements?
Required disclosures and clauses include: Mold disclosure (Civil Code § 1102.6); Bed bug disclosure (Civil Code § 1954.603); Flood zone disclosure (if applicable); Shared utilities disclosure; Meghna's Law sex offender notice; Pest control disclosure (if applicable); Prop 65 warning (if applicable); Lead paint disclosure (pre-1978).
What is the lease term limit in California?
No term limits, but AB 1482 applies after 12 months. Once a tenant has lived in a qualifying unit for 12 months, just cause is required for eviction under AB 1482. The lease term itself has no cap.
This information is for general guidance only and may not reflect recent legislative changes. Not legal advice.
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