Renting
Rent, deposit, and notice check
A first-stop checklist for a rent increase, move-out deposit, or notice from the landlord.
Why it matters
Rent rules can be statewide, local, or both. The address, building, lease, dates, and notice wording decide the next step.
Directory shelf
Renting
Rent increases, deposits, notices, repairs, and local help.
First moves
- 1
Find the address, city, county, lease, move-in date, current rent, and every notice you received.
- 2
Check if the home may be covered by the statewide rent cap.
- 3
Check if the city or county has a stronger local rent rule.
- 4
For a rent increase, write down the old rent, new rent, date served, and start date.
- 5
For a deposit problem, find the move-in checklist, photos, receipts, and move-out date.
- 6
For an eviction notice, read the deadline first. Then get help fast.
- 7
Ask the local rent board, housing office, legal aid group, or court self-help center before the deadline passes.
Watch for
- 1
State law can cap many rent increases at 5 percent plus cost of living, or 10 percent, whichever is lower. Local rules may be lower.
- 2
Not every home is covered. Newer buildings, some single-family homes, some affordable housing, dorms, and other cases can be different.
- 3
A rent increase usually needs written notice. Bigger increases usually need more time.
- 4
California tenant materials treat the deposit as the tenant's money unless the landlord has a lawful deduction.
- 5
After move-out, the landlord usually has 21 days to return the deposit or send an itemized deduction statement.
- 6
A 3-day, 30-day, or 60-day notice is not the same thing as a court eviction judgment.
- 7
Do not ignore a notice because it looks wrong. Even a notice that looks wrong can need a fast response.