California rental laws require landlords to provide tenants with certain disclosures and information when they enter into a California rental agreement. These disclosures are designed to ensure that both tenant and landlord understand their rights and responsibilities under California law. Some disclosures are not mandatory and are only required if they are relevant to the property.
Protect yourself before you sign your California renters agreement by learning what California landlords must disclose. Here is a list of 12 of the California rental disclosures that California landlords should provide to tenants prior to signing the California renters agreement:
In all new leases, or when the tenant requests it upon renewal, California landlords must provide in writing their full name, phone number, and address. Landlords must provide contact information for any new owner or manager of the rental.
The agreement must include all details regarding rent, security deposit, payment options and methods, late fees, as well as any other relevant information about your rental agreement such as whether or not it is non-smoking.
Landlords must inform tenants of their right to access California’s registered sex offender database online.
Landlords are required to include the following language in every rental agreement or lease:
“Notice: Pursuant to Section 290.46 of the Penal Code, information about specified registered sex offenders is made available to the public via an Internet Web site maintained by the Department of Justice at www.meganslaw.ca.gov. Depending on an offender’s criminal history, this information will include either the address at which the offender resides or the community of residence and ZIP Code in which he or she resides.” (Civ.Code § 2079.10.)
California landlords are required to give written notice regarding bed bugs and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation’s guidelines for prevention, treatment, and control. Tenants must know what bed bugs look like, their behavior, and how to prevent an infestation.
If a landlord is actively working with pest control services, California law requires them to disclose the following in the renters agreement:
Prior to signing the California renters agreement, landlords must reveal any information pertaining to mold in their dwelling that has exceeded safety regulations or poses a health concern.
If the California rental property was built before 1978, California landlords must provide a California Lead Disclosure Form to their tenants and disclose any lead-based paint or hazards that may be present.
Before entering into a California renters agreement with a tenant, the landlord is obligated to give written notice to prospective tenants that the landlord has obtained a demolition permit and list any estimated dates for when it will be executed; thereby indicating the tenancy’s expiration. Current tenants must likewise receive written notification of this information. (Civ.Code § 1940.6.)
The landlord is responsible to inform prospective tenants of any former federal or state ordnance located in the vicinity. If an agreement has already been signed as of January 1st, 1990, this notice must be delivered to current tenants at the earliest convenience.
If a property is found to contain methamphetamine, then the local health officer must issue an order prohibiting its use or occupancy and deliver it to both the owner and all occupants onsite. The owners are also accountable for providing written notice of this order as well as a copy of it to any potential tenants who have already submitted their applications.
In this case, those seeking rental can cancel their California renters agreement if these conditions are not met by the property owner.
Landlords and property managers have a duty to inform potential tenants if a prior occupant died in the rental unit within the last three years.
Before entering into a lease or rental agreement, landlords must disclose whether the gas and electric services to their tenants’ units also serve other areas. Additionally, landlords have an obligation of disclosing how costs will be fairly allocated.
At Mellor Law Firm, we understand California renters agreements can be confusing and complex. That’s why we strive to help California tenants and landlords protect their rights and remain informed about their rental agreements.
We are dedicated to helping you understand the various provisions, laws, and regulations included in a California renters agreement so you can confidently work towards protecting your rights. If you have questions regarding California renters agreements, contact us today to get the answers that you need!
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