California Tenant Rights Faqs

No. Your landlord needs to give you at least 24 hours notice. They also need a real reason to come in. That means fixing something, showing the apartment to a buyer or new tenant, or if the court says they can enter.

They can’t come in just to “check things out.” If your landlord shows up without notice, you can remind them of your right to privacy—and maybe even report them if it keeps happening.

Real reasons include:

• Making the repair you asked for
• Doing the work you agreed to
• Showing your place to new renters or buyers
• Following a court order

“Just an inspection” is not good enough.

No. That’s the landlord’s job. If something breaks and it’s not your fault, they must fix it—and pay for it, too.

Even if the lease says you must pay, that part is illegal. If your landlord tries to charge you anyway, you can say no and even get help from a lawyer or local tenants’ group.

Then you might have to cover the cost. If you or a guest caused the damage, the landlord can ask you to fix it or pay for it.

If it’s normal wear and tear (like an old carpet or fading paint), that’s the landlord’s problem.

Don’t panic—take action. You still have rights. The landlord must have a legal reason to evict you. They must also give you proper written notice, usually 30, 60, or 90 days.

Call a local tenant hotline or a lawyer right away. They can help you figure out if the notice is legal and what to do next.

Usually, no. In many places (like California), landlords need a good reason to evict you—especially if you’ve lived there a while.

Look for laws like “just cause” or “rent control” in your city. If they don’t follow the rules, the eviction might not be valid.

Sometimes, yes. If they want you out and it’s not your fault (like they’re selling the building or moving in), they may owe you relocation money.

This is true in many California cities and under state law. Ask your local housing office what you’re owed.

Yes. Support animals are not regular pets. The law treats them differently if they help with a disability. Your landlord must allow it unless there’s a really good reason not to.

Just make sure you ask in writing and show a doctor’s note.

Only in some cases. If your place is unsafe or your landlord isn’t fixing serious problems (like no heat or leaks), you might be able to legally move out early.

This is called “constructive eviction.” Still, you should talk to a lawyer first to make sure you’re protected.

Then you might owe some rent. But the landlord can’t just charge you for the full lease. They must try to rent the place again quickly.

Ask to work out a deal—some landlords will be flexible.

Yes, but only in common areas. They can use cameras in public spots—like outside doors, hallways, and laundry rooms.

They cannot point cameras into your bedroom, bathroom, or inside your unit. That’s a big privacy violation and might even be illegal.

Usually, no. A new owner still has to follow the law—and your lease. Selling the building is not a reason to kick you out (especially if you’re protected by local or state tenant laws).

Your lease stays valid unless you agree to leave.

Only after your lease ends. They can’t raise the rent or change rules in the middle of your lease. They have to follow what was already agreed upon.

Usually not. Most of the time, tenants only need to give 30 days’ notice. Some leases try to require 60 days—but that’s not always legal.

Read your lease and check local laws just to be sure.

Not right away. In many cases, your lease turns into a month-to-month rental. That means you can stay until you or your landlord gives proper notice.

The landlord still needs a legal reason to ask you to go.

It’s money your landlord pays to help you move. If they want you out for a “no-fault” reason—like selling the place or remodeling—some laws say they must help you with the cost of moving.

How much? It depends on your city and how long you’ve lived there. Check with your local rent board or housing office.