California has strong renter protections, the Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) caps annual rent increases statewide. Here's what every international student renter in California must know in 2026.
Security deposit (AB 12, effective July 2024)
- Maximum security deposit: 1 month's rent (down from 2× for unfurnished, 3× for furnished pre-2024).
- Landlord must return deposit within 21 days with itemized deductions.
- For deductions over $125, landlord must include receipts.
Statewide rent cap (AB 1482)
- Annual rent increase capped at 5% + local CPI (max 10%) for buildings 15+ years old.
- Many local jurisdictions (LA, Berkeley, Oakland, SF, San Jose) have stricter rent control.
- New construction (under 15 years old), single-family homes (in most cases), and condos are EXEMPT.
Just-cause eviction (AB 1482)
Landlord must have a state-defined "just cause" to evict, non-payment, lease violation, owner move-in, etc. No more no-cause evictions for tenants in covered units.
Habitability
- Landlord must maintain weatherproofing, plumbing, heating, electrical, and a pest-free unit.
- Repair-and-deduct: tenant can pay for repair (up to 1 month's rent) and deduct from rent if landlord doesn't fix in reasonable time after written notice.
- Landlord must provide working hot water (minimum 105°F) and heat capable of maintaining 70°F.
Local enhancements
- Berkeley Rent Stabilization, covers most pre-1980 units, annual increase ~2.7% (2026).
- Los Angeles RSO, covers pre-Oct 1978 buildings, ~3% annual cap.
- San Francisco Rent Ordinance, covers pre-1979 buildings, allowable annual increase ~2.6% (2026).
- Oakland Just Cause Ordinance, broader eviction protections.
Discrimination
California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) protects against discrimination based on national origin, immigration status, source of income (including scholarship/grant funding), and many other classes.
Where to get help
- Tenants Together, statewide hotline: 415-495-8100.
- Bay Area Legal Aid, free legal services in the Bay.
- Inner City Law Center (LA).
- Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board, for any Berkeley question.
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Written by MyHomeversity
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