Landlord Information:
New Laws for 2025

2025 New Laws Webinar Recording

AB 1482: The Tenant Protection Act of 2019

The Tenant Protection Act of 2019, also known as the RCJC, is a significant law that initiated statewide regulation of rents and evictions. Prior to this, different cities had their own rent caps and eviction laws, but this was the first major state-level law.

Rent Increase Limits

AB 1482 limits rent increases to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus 5%, with a maximum cap of 10%. For example, if last year's CPI was 4.3%, the maximum rent increase allowed would be 9.3%. Determining the correct CPI and month to use can be complex and requires consultation with legal experts.

Evictions: At-Fault vs. No-Fault

AB 1482 also establishes eviction rules, distinguishing between at-fault and no-fault evictions. At-fault evictions occur when tenants violate lease terms, fail to pay rent, create nuisances, or refuse to sign a lease renewal. No-fault evictions, however, are only allowed under specific conditions, such as the owner intending to occupy the property, the unit being removed from the rental market, government-declared uninhabitability, or substantial remodeling. In cases of no-fault evictions, landlords must provide one month's rent as relocation assistance within 15 days of issuing the eviction notice.

SB 329: Section 8 Anti-Discrimination Law

SB 329 makes it illegal for landlords to discriminate based on a tenant's source of income, including Section 8 housing vouchers. Landlords must assess tenant income based only on their portion of the rent. Despite this, landlords can still conduct background and credit checks to screen applicants.

AB 12: Security Deposit Limits

AB 12 reduces the maximum security deposit landlords can collect to one month’s rent, regardless of tenant credit history or pet ownership. Some exemptions apply, such as for small landlords who own no more than two properties with four or fewer units collectively.

Other Key Laws & Updates for 2025

AB 2533: Unpermitted ADU Amnesty

This law requires cities to establish a pathway for legalizing unpermitted accessory dwelling units (ADUs), such as garage conversions.

AB 1815: Fair Housing Expansion

New fair housing protections now include traits associated with protected classes, such as hairstyles, preventing discrimination based on these characteristics.

SB 1051: Domestic Abuse & Lock Changes

Landlords must change locks at their own expense if a tenant provides proof of being a victim of domestic abuse.

AB 2579: Balcony Inspections

Properties with three or more units must undergo balcony and elevated structure inspections every six years.

AB 2347: Eviction Process Update

Tenants now have up to 10 days, excluding weekends and holidays, to respond to an unlawful detainer (eviction notice).

SB 611: No Fees for Notices to Vacate

Landlords cannot charge tenants fees for serving notices to vacate.

New Laws Affecting Landlords & Property Managers

AB 2747: Tenant Credit Reporting

Landlords must offer tenants the option of positive credit reporting, though only for on-time payments. Small landlords who own fewer than 15 units in one building or two properties are exempt.

AB 2801: Security Deposit Deductions

Landlords must provide photographic documentation of the rental unit’s condition at move-in, move-out, and after repairs when deducting from a tenant’s security deposit. This documentation must be provided within 21 days of move-out.

AB 2493: Application Fee Regulations

Application fees can only be charged if a unit is available. Screening criteria must be published, and landlords must accept the first applicant who meets the criteria. If screening criteria are not published, rejected applicants must be refunded their application fee.

Pets, Service Animals, and Emotional Support Animals

Landlords may prohibit pets but cannot refuse service animals or emotional support animals (ESAs). Breed restrictions are not allowed, but landlords may set size limits (e.g., under 30 lbs.). Additional pet rent and deposits are permitted if exempt from AB 12.

WSR Property Management Policies

Inspections

• Quarterly drive-by inspections to check for visible issues.

• Annual interior inspections to ensure compliance with lease terms and safety regulations.

Subleasing Rules

WSR does not allow subleasing. Lease agreements prohibit tenants from subletting or using the property for short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb).

Tenant Screening Criteria

• Minimum credit score: 675

• Income requirement: 3x rent

• No prior evictions

• Criminal background checks required

Rental Application Process

Landlords must accept the first qualified applicant per new laws.

Closing Remarks & Q&A

Landlord-tenant laws are constantly evolving, making it essential for landlords to stay informed. Working with a reliable property management company can help ensure compliance with all legal requirements. WSR offers $500 off services for new clients who schedule through the provided link.

For further questions, reach out to your property manager or schedule an appointment.