2026 edition

The California Small Landlord Compliance Guide

For self-managing owners of 1–4 rental units. Everything you need to get deposits, disclosures, notices, and the AB 1482 rent-cap exemption right — in one place, with templates you can use today.

Get the guide — $29

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Why small landlords in California need this right now

AB 12 caps security deposits at 1 month's rent — unless you qualify for the small-landlord exception (up to 2 months). Most self-managing landlords don't know which side of that line they're on.
A new move-in/move-out photo-documentation rule can cost you the right to any deposit deduction — plus up to 3x damages — if you skip it.
AB 1482 exempts many single-family homes and owner-occupied duplexes from rent caps and just-cause eviction — but only if you send the exact required written notice. Miss it, and the exemption doesn't apply even if you'd otherwise qualify.

What's inside

2026 at a glance — every rule change and the deadline that goes with it
Security deposits: how much you can charge, the small-landlord exception, the photo rule, how to return it correctly
The full required-disclosures checklist (lead paint, bed bugs, Megan's Law, mold, flood zone, and more)
Habitability & safety compliance (smoke/CO alarms, water heater strapping, pool fencing)
Entry notices and rent increase notices — exact timing rules, worked out for you
The AB 1482 rent-cap & just-cause exemption test, with worked examples
Fair housing basics for small landlords
A record-keeping system sized for 1–4 units
An annual compliance calendar
6 ready-to-use templates: deposit deduction letter, electronic return notice, disclosure checklist, 24-hour entry notice, rent increase notice, move-in/move-out inspection checklist

Free articles

Not ready to buy yet? These cover the newest 2026 rules in full, free:

California security deposit law 2026: how much can a landlord charge? The small-landlord security deposit exception: 2 properties or fewer The new photo-documentation requirement for security deposits Is my rental exempt from California rent control (AB 1482)? How much notice do you need to raise rent in California? California landlord required disclosures: the full checklist 24-hour notice to enter a rental: rules + free template Just-cause eviction rules for small landlords (AB 1482) Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm rules for California rentals

FAQ

Is this legal advice?

No. This is an informational compliance reference, not legal advice. For anything disputed or high-stakes, talk to a California landlord-tenant attorney.

How do I get the guide after I pay?

Stripe redirects you straight back to your private guide page — no account, no waiting.

What if I own units in a city with its own rent control ordinance?

The guide covers state law and flags where to check your city's additional rules (Section 10) — it isn't a database of every city ordinance.

Get the guide — $29

Informational only, not legal advice. California landlord-tenant law changes frequently; this guide reflects the law as of its publication date. For a dispute, an eviction, or anything where getting it wrong is expensive, consult a California landlord-tenant attorney.