Basic Information Regarding Landlord-Tenant Rights & Responsibilities

• Click here to read the full .PDF version of the California Tenant Book in English (en Español)
• 2007 Update to California Tenant Book

The Rental Housing Mediation Task Force has compiled information to help both tenants and landlords understand their rights and responsibilities. The information is divided into three sections:

Beginning Occupancy

Who is a “Landlord” and Who is a “Tenant”?

• General Information About Landlords and Tenants
• Special Situations (Lodgers and Residential Hotels)
  
  

Looking for a Rental Unit

• Month-to-Month Rental Agreement or Lease
• Inspecting before you rent
• Lead
• Asbestos
• Prepaid Rental Listing Service
• The Rental Application
• Credit Checks
• Application Screening Fee
• Holding Deposit
  
  

Before you Agree to Rent

• General Information
• Shared Utility Meters
• Translation of Proposed Rental Agreement
  
  

When you have decided to Rent

• What the Rental Agreement or Lease Should Include
• Tenant’s Basic Legal Rights
• Landlord's and Tenant's Duty of Good Faith and Fair Dealing
• Alterations to Accommodate a Disabled Tenant
• Landlords Disclosures
• Basic Rules Governing Security Deposits
• Inventory Checklist
• Renters Insurance
  
  

Unlawful Discrimination

• What is Unlawful Discrimination?
• Resolving Housing Discrimination Problems

During Occupancy

Living in the Rental Unit

• Paying the Rent
• Obtaining Receipts for Rent Payments
• Security Deposit Increase
• Rent Increases
• When can the Landlord Enter the Rental Unit
• Subleases and Assignments
  
  

Dealing with Problems

Having Repairs Made

• Repair and Deduct Remedy
• Retaliatory Eviction
• The Abandonment Remedy
• The Rent Withholding Remedy

Resolving Problems

• Talk with your Landlord
• Getting Help from a Third Party
• Arbitration And Mediation

End of Tenancy

Moving Out

• Giving and Receiving Proper Notice
• Advance Payment of Last Month’s Rent
  
  

Refunds of Security Deposits

• Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
• Initial Inspection Before Tenant Moves Out
• Suggested Approaches to Security Deposit Deductions
• Refund of Security Deposit After Sale of Building
  
  

Terminations and Evictions

• When can a Landlord Terminate a Tenancy?
• Written Notices of Termination
• Property Services of Notices
  
  

The Eviction Process

Landlord-Tenant Glossary

Glossary