California Rental Fees & Regulations

California Rental Fees & Regulations

Key rental payment and fee regulations in California that affect how property management companies handle rent collection, delinquency, and compliance.

This page provides a factual, reference-style overview of key rental fee and payment-related regulations in California. It is designed to help property owners, operators, and industry professionals quickly understand how California approaches common rental fees, nonpayment, and eviction timelines.

Nonsufficient Funds (NSFs) Fee Regulations in California

The table below summarizes common rental fee types and whether California law places limits or disclosure requirements on them.

Fee Type Disclosure Requirement Maximum Fee Allowed
Nonsufficient funds (NSF) fee Lease disclosure recommended $25 (first offense)
$35 (subsequent offenses)

Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1719(a)(1)

Nonpayment, Late Fees, and Eviction Timelines in California

This table outlines how California law treats rent nonpayment, late fees, and the eviction process.

Required Grace Period Late Fee Regulations Written Notice Required Time to Correct or Vacate
None specified by statute No statutory limit Yes 3 business days

Source: California Assembly Bill 2347

Maximum Allowable Rental-Related Fees in California

The following table summarizes maximum limits for other common rental-related charges.

Fee Category Maximum Allowed
Security deposit Two months’ rent for unfurnished, three months’ for furnished
Junk fees Application/screening: Landlord may charge an application screening fee only to cover actual screening costs, capped at $30 (inflation-adjusted); if a reusable tenant screening report is provided and accepted, no screening/application fee may be charged.
Convenience/processing: Any such fee must be disclosed and comply with CA consumer-protection law.
Other non-rent fees: General CA rules require that non-optional fees be disclosed in the lease; landlord-tenant and UDAP law can be used against unreasonable or deceptive add-on fees.

Source: Civ. Code §§ 1950.5 & California SB 478



Legal Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. It summarizes rental payment, fee, and eviction-related regulations based on publicly available sources and may not reflect the most current legal developments or the specific circumstances of your property. This content does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Domuso. Domuso makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the information for any particular situation. Laws and regulations vary by jurisdiction and may change over time. You are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and should consult a qualified legal professional for guidance specific to your property or location. Domuso disclaims any liability for actions taken or not taken based on the information provided on this page.

Last updated: January 2026

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