California Rental Tenants Rights

In California, local, state and federal laws govern landlord and tenant relationships. According to the State of California Department of Consumer Affairs, it's important that the state governs the tenant and landlord relationship so that neither party is taken advantage of.

Discrimination

Discrimination against tenants is illegal. For example, a landlord cannot refuse to rent to a tenant or evict a tenant based on religion, gender or race. It is also illegal for the landlord to consider other tenant characteristics such as sexual orientation, marital status and source of income. Laws against discrimination fall under California's Fair Employment and Housing Act and the Unruh Civil Rights Act.

Hotels and Security Deposits

Individuals that live in hotels or motels for more than 30 days are also regarded as tenants. To be considered a tenant, the hotel or motel must not allow occupancy for periods fewer than seven days. When it comes to a security deposit refund, tenants have certain basic legal rights. Tenants have a right to have their security deposit refunded after they move. If the security deposit is not refunded, landlords must provide a written account as to how they used the security deposit.

Communication

Tenants and landlords should always focus on how they can make their relationship a cooperative one. One way in which tenants and landlords can foster a healthy relationship is to set expectations before signing a rental agreement. Open and honest communication is also essential to ensure a healthy tenant-landlord relationship.

References

• State of California Department of Consumer Affairs: California Tenants
• MegaLaw.com: California Landlord-Tenant Law