General California rules to know
Security deposit cap
For deposits collected since July 1, 2024, most California landlords may not charge more than one month’s rent as a security deposit (Civil Code §1950.5). A small landlord (an individual, family trust or LLC of individuals owning no more than two rental properties with four or fewer units in total) may charge up to two months, but not to a service member, who can be charged one month at most.
Deposit return
Within 21 days after you move out, the landlord must return the deposit and send an itemized statement of any deductions, with receipts and, for newer tenancies, before-and-after photos for repair or cleaning charges.
Statewide rent cap
Under the Tenant Protection Act, many units built more than 15 years ago are limited to yearly increases of 5% plus inflation, capped at 10%. Many single-family homes and condos are exempt, and some cities have stricter local rent control.
Just-cause protections
For many covered units, once a tenant has been there 12 months, the landlord needs a reason allowed by law to end the tenancy.
Entry notice
Landlords generally must give reasonable written notice before entering, usually 24 hours, except in emergencies.
Clauses worth reading twice in any lease
Rent, due date and late fees
Check the exact due date, any grace period, how late fees are calculated and whether they repeat daily. Many states limit late fees or require them to be reasonable.
Security deposit
Look for the amount, where it is held, what can be deducted and when it comes back. States set their own caps and return deadlines.
Lease length, renewal and ending early
Watch for automatic renewal, the notice you must give to leave, and early termination or "lease break" fees.
Repairs and maintenance
See who handles which repairs and how to request them. Clauses that push all repairs onto the tenant deserve a closer look.
Landlord entry
Check how much notice the landlord gives before entering and for what reasons.
Utilities, fees and extras
Note which utilities you pay and any added fees: parking, pets, amenities, trash, admin or "convenience" fees.
Subletting, guests and roommates
See whether you can sublet or add a roommate, guest limits, and whether roommates are jointly liable for the full rent.
Rules you might break by accident
Pet rules, smoking, alterations, satellite dishes, short-term rentals. Breaking a lease rule can be grounds for ending the tenancy.
How Contract Checked helps
Upload your document and get a plain-English report: risk ratings on specific clauses, protections that are missing, and the questions to ask before you sign. Then ask follow-up questions about your own document. You see the credit cost before anything runs.
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Frequently asked questions
Does my city have its own rules?
Possibly. Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose and other cities have local rent and eviction rules that can be stricter than state law. Check your city’s housing department.
Is this legal advice?
No. Contract Checked gives general information and an AI reading of your document. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. For a dispute, an eviction or a large amount of money, talk to a licensed attorney or a local tenant organization.
Can I upload a photo of a paper lease?
Yes. Upload a PDF, a Word file, pasted text or a photo. Photos are read with OCR before the analysis.
What happens to my lease after I upload it?
Your documents are stored in your account so you can reopen the report and ask follow-up questions. You can delete them from your dashboard anytime. See the privacy policy for details.