Source: https://fairhousing.net/resources/faqs-renters/
Timestamp: 2019-04-20 22:53:48+00:00

Document:
A housing provider may charge 2 times the rent unless the unit is furnished or if there is water filled furniture. Cal. Civ. Code §1950.5(c). Landlords cannot state security deposits are not refundable (Cal. Civ. Code §1950.5 (m)). However, holding deposits could be non-refundable if you decide not to move-in.
What can a landlord do with my security deposit?
How many days do I have to wait to get my security deposit back?
California Civil Code §1950.5 (g) requires that within 21 days after a tenant has vacated the unit, the owner must either: 1) return the security deposit to the tenant, 2) furnish a copy of an itemized statement indicating the amount of any part of the security deposit used (e.g. for unpaid rent, repairs, etc.), or 3) a combination of #1 and #2.
Under California Civil Code §1950.5(f)(1), a tenant has the right to request an initial move-out inspection.
Also, under California Civil Code §1950.5(e), a tenant should not be charged for normal wear and tear of the property.
Finally, a tenant should obtain proof of items charged if over $126. Cal. Civ. Code §1950.5(g)(2).
When can a landlord enter a unit?
To show the rental unit to prospective tenants, buyers, or lenders, or to provide entry to contractors or workers who are to perform work on the unit.
If a court order permits the landlord to enter.
A housing provider is also permitted to enter your unit for an emergency, with your consent, or after abandonment.
Tenants are required by law to take reasonable care of their rental units and are responsible for repair of all damage that results from their neglect or abuse.
How do I request repairs to my unit?
How much notice in advance does a tenant have to give before moving?
To end a month-to-month tenancy, a tenant must give the landlord proper written notice before vacating. If you pay rent monthly, you must give at least 30 days advance notice. If you pay rent weekly, you must give at least 7 days advance notice. (Cal. Civ. Code §1946) ***If you sign a term lease, you may be financially obligated if you decide to move-out before the lease ends. Also, check your lease before subleasing or assigning your lease.
How much advance notice must my landlord give if he wants a tenant to move out of the rental unit?
If a tenant is on a month-to-month lease and has resided in the unit less than 1 year, the landlord is only required to give a 30-day notice.
If a tenant is on a month-to-month lease and has resided in the unit for 1 year or more, the landlord is required to give a 60-day notice.
If a tenant is on a periodic lease (such as a one-year lease), the landlord must allow the tenant to reside in the unit for the remainder of the term.
How much can a landlord legally raise the rent?
Under California law, there is currently no maximum limit for rent increases. However, California Civil Code §827(b) states that the landlord must give the tenant at least 30 days’ advance notice if the rent increase is 10 percent (or less) of the rent charged at any time during the 12 months before the rent increase takes effect. Also, the landlord must give 60 days’ advance notice if the rent increase is greater than 10 percent.
Is there a difference between a lease and a month-to-month contract?
Yes, periodic leases usually require you to commit to a time frame of 3, 6, 9, or 12 months. The month-to-month contract does not and can be terminated by either party with proper notice.
The benefits of a periodic lease are that the rents cannot be increased during the lease term, and the tenant has a place to reside for the full lease term as long as they abide by the terms. One of the benefits of a month-to-month contract is having the flexibility to move when you choose.
Can a landlord ask about an applicant’s source of income?
Can a landlord require that each person in the household meet the minimum income requirement separately?
Landlords must use the minimum income requirement in the same way for members of a married couple as for members of any household. (Cal Govt. Code §12955(n) and (o)).

References: §1950
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