Understanding Your Rights as a California Tenant (2025 Update)

California continues to lead the nation in protecting renters. Whether you're facing an eviction, renting in wildfire-impacted areas, or battling unfair fees, here's what you need to know.

Starting January 1, 2025, California law gives tenants 10 business days (instead of 5) to respond to a landlord’s 3-day eviction notice. This extra time can be crucial in preparing your defense or arranging legal aid

California has enacted several emergency protections this year:

• Statewide ban: A temporary statewide rule prevents evictions of tenants who shelter wildfire survivors—even in violation of lease terms—through at least March 8, 2025 gov.ca.gov.

• Los Angeles County: Residents suffering wildfire-related income loss (at least 10%) are guaranteed a 12-month repayment period and no eviction for non-payment of rent through July 31, 2025

Effective April 1, 2025, SB 567 brings key new tenant protections:

• Stricter regulation on owner move-in evictions (landlord must occupy for 12 months).

• Renovation evictions now require landlords to hold permits and offer the tenant return rights.

• Relocation assistance of $9,200–$22,950 depends on tenancy duration

Two major laws went into effect in 2025:

• AB 2493 requires written screening criteria and refunds application fees if you’re not selected—processed sequentially

• AB 2801 mandates landlords to photograph units before move-in and post move-out to justify deductions from your deposit

• From April 1, 2025, landlords must offer to report your timely rent payments to credit bureaus—fees capped at $10/month (applies to large landlords/corporations)

• A proposed AB 1248 would require landlords to disclose all fees upfront, aiming to ban unexpected charges mid-lease

Under AB 1482 (2019), annual rent increases are capped at 5% + CPI, or 10% max. Notices must be 30 days for increases ≤10%, or 60 days for greater hikes

California law entitles tenants to:

• A safe, habitable unit (e.g., heat, plumbing).

• Withhold rent or pursue legal action if repairs are neglected.

• 24–48 hours’ notice before landlord entry (except emergencies)

• Retaliatory eviction is illegal for 180 days after twin acts like repair requests or code complaints

• Cities like Santa Monica enforce strict anti-harassment policies: any threats, utility shut-offs or bugging can trigger landlord liability and costs

Thanks to the 2024 Tenant Organizing Rights Act, tenants can:

• Form associations

• Stage rent strikes (in serious habitability cases)

• Engage in class-action lawsuits without fear of retaliation

  Free or low-cost legal services—through clinics, legal aid, or pro bono attorneys—are also becoming more accessible .

1. Check your lease and governing laws—know if local rent control applies.

2. Respond promptly if you get an eviction notice.

3. Collect evidence: photos, repair requests, rent receipts.

4.Seek legal help—especially before eviction court.

5. Partner with neighbors to form tenant groups or associations.

2025 brought significant gains for California renters—from extended notice periods and wildfire protections to structural reforms like SB 567, AB 2493, and AB 2801. While the statewide rent cap stays, look out for local rules that may offer even stronger safeguards.

If your rights are threatened—by eviction, rent gouging, or harassment—don’t hesitate to act: document everything, meet deadlines, and use tenant support networks. You’re not alone, and the law is on your side.