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Tenant rights and housing laws

1. You Have the Right to a Habitable Home

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  • Your rental must be safe and livable — meaning the landlord is responsible to ensure working plumbing, electricity, heat, no serious leaks, no pests, and no dangerous conditions.
     

  • This is called the “implied warranty of habitability” under California Civil Code §1941.
     

2. You Can’t Be Discriminated Against

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  • Under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and federal law, landlords cannot deny you housing because of:
     

    • Race, religion, national origin, refugee status, gender, disability, family with children, sexual orientation, or other protected categories.
       

  • Law: California Civil Code §12955
     

  • If you face discrimination, you can file a complaint with:
     

3. Security Deposit Limits

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  • Landlords can charge no more than 2 months’ rent for an unfurnished unit or 3 months’ rent for a furnished unit (California Civil Code §1950.5).
     

  • They must return your deposit within 21 days after you move out, with a written list of any deductions.
     

4. Rent Control & Rent Increases

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  • Some cities (e.g., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland) have rent control laws limiting increases.
     

  • Statewide rule: California Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) says landlords can’t raise rent more than 5% + inflation rate, or 10% total, in one year for many properties.
     

5. Eviction Rules

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  • No “lock-outs” — landlords cannot change locks or cut utilities to force you out.
     

  • In most cases, landlords must give:
     

    • If you did not pay the rent, they must give you 3-day notice ahead to pay rent or leave 

    • 30-day or 60-day notice for ending certain month-to-month tenancies
       

  • Law: California Code of Civil Procedure §1161
     

6. Right to Privacy

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  • Landlords must give at least 24 hours’ notice before entering your home (except emergencies).
     

  • Law: California Civil Code §1954
     

7. If You Need Language Access

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  • Many legal aid and housing offices in California are required to provide interpreters for limited-English speakers under state and federal law.
     

  • Ask for language assistance when contacting housing authorities or legal services.
     

8. Legal Support for Housing 

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