Small Business & Property Ownership · Owning property
Rules for rental property owners
In this guide
- Many rentals are covered by the Tenant Protection Act’s rent cap and just-cause rules.
- Security deposits, habitability, entry and fair housing rules apply to all residential landlords.
- Many cities add rent control, registration, and relocation requirements.
State rules that commonly apply
- Rent increases and just cause under the Tenant Protection Act, unless an exemption applies and required notices are given
- Security deposit limits and the 21-day return rule
- Habitability standards and repair responsibilities
- Entry notice rules
- Fair housing law, including source-of-income protections for housing vouchers
- Eviction procedures, which require notices and a court case
Each of these is covered from both sides in the Renting guides.
Local rules
Many cities and counties have rent stabilization, just-cause, rental registry, inspection, and relocation payment ordinances that go beyond state law. Local housing departments publish these rules.
Other considerations
Owners also deal with property taxes and reassessment, business licenses or rental taxes in some cities, insurance, and income tax reporting. The Department of Real Estate publishes consumer guides on property management.
Official sources for this guide
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