Beginning April 1, 2025, California is rolling out new laws aimed at strengthening protections for renters across the state. These legislative changes, designed to promote fairness and transparency in landlord-tenant relationships, focus on eliminating certain fees and enhancing tenant rights.
Key Changes Under Senate Bill 611 (SB 611)
One of the most impactful laws, SB 611, puts an end to several fees that landlords have historically imposed on tenants. Under this legislation:
- Landlords and property managers can no longer charge fees for serving, posting, or delivering notices related to lease termination or eviction proceedings, including those for overdue rent or lease violations.
- Tenants will no longer be charged additional fees for paying rent or security deposits via check, removing unnecessary administrative costs.
- Special protections are now in place for military service members. Security deposits for these tenants cannot exceed one month’s rent unless a landlord provides written justification, such as a history of late payments or poor credit. If an additional deposit is required, it must be refunded within six months, provided the tenant remains in good standing.
Assembly Bill 2801 (AB 2801) Increases Transparency in Security Deposits
Another significant reform comes with AB 2801, which enhances transparency regarding security deposits. Under this law:
- Landlords must take photographs of rental units immediately after a tenant vacates and again after repairs or cleaning are completed.
- For leases beginning July 1, 2025, landlords are also required to document the unit’s condition with photographs before a new tenant moves in.
- When deducting costs from a security deposit, landlords must provide detailed written explanations, including photographic evidence of any necessary repairs.
- Deductions are strictly limited to expenses required to restore the property to its original condition, explicitly excluding normal wear and tear such as minor nail holes, faded paint, or light scuff marks on flooring.
Assembly Bill 2747 (AB 2747) Helps Tenants Build Credit
In addition to limiting fees and increasing transparency, AB 2747 introduces new benefits for tenants renting from large property owners. This law mandates that landlords managing residential buildings with more than 15 units must offer tenants the option to have their on-time rental payments reported to nationwide credit bureaus. This measure enables renters to build or improve their credit scores, ultimately enhancing their financial stability and future rental prospects.
Conclusion
These new regulations represent a major step toward fairer rental practices in California. By eliminating unjust fees, enforcing greater transparency in security deposits, and allowing tenants to build credit through timely payments, the state is working to create a more equitable housing market. Renters and landlords alike should stay informed about these changes to ensure compliance and maximize the benefits of these updated laws.
