California Tenant Protection Act

Updates to the California Tenant Protection Act (TPA) - Effective April 1st, 2024

The California Tenant Protection Act 2023 is a significant piece of legislation that aims to provide enhanced rights and protections for tenants in the state.  

Key Provisions to protect Tenants:

1. Just Cause Eviction

2. Extended Notice Periods

3. Limitations on Rent Increases

4. Relocation Assistance

5. Prohibition on Discrimination

6. Housing conditions

7. Security Deposits

What are some just causes to evict Tenants?

All the following would qualify as a just cause to evict a renter under the Tenant Protection Act:

1. Nonpayment of rent.                                                                                           

2. A breach of the material terms of the lease.                                                                      

3. Nuisance, waste, unlawful, or criminal activity.                                                                  

4. Refusal to sign a written extension or renewal of the lease.                                              

5. Assigning or subletting.                                                                                       

6. Refusal to allow the owner to enter the unit.                                                                

7. The owner moves themselves or a family member into a unit.                                         

8. The owner substantially renovating.

Effective July 1, 2024 – there will be changes to the amount charged for Security deposits.

Housing Providers will only be able to collect one month’s rent as a security deposit.  There are exceptions to this rule, specifically regarding Small Landlords.  Small Landlords may collect two months’ rent as a Security deposit. The definition by law of a Small Landlord is as follows: A single-family home owned by individuals or a family trust. Additionally, a small landlord can own up to two rental properties with no more than four total units.  Example: Two duplexes or a single-family home and a tri-plex.   The properties cannot have any corporate ownership.

For all landlords, if the prospective tenant is a Service member, the security deposit is limited to one month’s rent.

An owner who materially violates the TPA by improperly terminating a tenancy or by raising the rent beyond the maximum amount is liable for: actual damages; reasonable attorney’s fees and costs (at the discretion of the judge); up to three times actual damages for willful violations; and punitive damages.

Some of the below cities in California have Rent Control Provisions.  It is highly suggested that tenants inquire and research any property of interest to see what landlord/tenant rules apply to the area/city.

Beverly Hills                            Berkeley

East Palo Alto                         Pasadena

Hayward                                  Pomona

Long Beach                             Richmond

Los Angeles                            San Francisco

Los Gatos                                San Jose

Mountain View                        Santa Ana      

Oakland                                   Santa Monica

Oxnard                                    Thousand Oaks

Palm Springs                          West Hollywood

More information can be found on the: State of California – Department of Justice website.