California rental fee FAQ

One month's rent for deposits collected since July 1, 2024. Some small landlords may take two months, but never from a service member.

No. A fee charged at the start of a tenancy to process a new tenant, or for cleaning or damage, counts as security. It is refundable and counts toward the deposit limit.

No more than actual screening costs, and no more than $30 adjusted for inflation since 1998, about $65.86 in 2026 according to the California Apartment Association.

Either they consider applications in the order received and approve the first qualified applicant, or they refund every applicant who is not selected within 7 days of choosing a tenant or 30 days of the application.

Yes, if it is in the lease and is a reasonable estimate of the landlord's actual losses from late payment. State law sets no dollar cap, but penalty-sized late fees can be void.

No. Since SB 611, a landlord cannot charge for serving, posting or delivering a notice.

No. Landlords must allow a payment method that is neither cash nor electronic transfer, and cannot charge a fee for paying rent or the deposit by check.

Only as an optional charge when the tenant chooses to pay by card, as long as paying by check stays free.

$25 for the first returned check and $35 for each later one (Civil Code 1719).

Yes, monthly pet rent in the lease is allowed. A one-time pet fee at move-in counts as security instead. From April 1, 2027, landlords also need a written pet policy given with every application.

21 days after the tenant moves out, with an itemized statement, receipts and, since 2025, photos of any repairs or cleaning deducted.

Not under a rental-specific law. California's general hidden-fee law (SB 478) covers advertised prices for goods and services, but how it applies to apartment ads is not settled, and an ad-disclosure provision was dropped from SB 611. Showing the full monthly cost is still the safe practice.

No. AB 1248, which would have banned most rental fees, died in the Assembly on February 2, 2026.

Landlords covered by Civil Code 1954.07 must offer positive rent reporting. If the tenant opts in, the fee is at most the actual cost or $10 a month, whichever is less.