Leases and Required Disclosures for California Rentals
Before your tenant signs, older homes need lead disclosure. Every new tenant gets a bed bug information sheet. After signing, the lease copy has a deadline.
Deliver the tenant’s signed lease copy within 15 days of signing.
Another copy once a year, on request.
Two disclosures. Different scopes.
Built before 1978? Start with lead.
Provide the federal lead hazard pamphlet and disclose known lead-based paint or hazards before the tenant signs. Testing for or removing lead paint is not required to rent.
Every new tenancy: bed bug information.
Give a written bed bug information sheet before every new tenancy, not just for older homes.
Keep the terms, and the timing, clear.
The tenant’s copy
Deliver a signed copy within 15 days of signing. Provide another copy once a year if the tenant requests it.
If the lease bans smoking
For leases from January 1, 2012, a lease that bans smoking lists the no-smoking areas. A smoking ban is not mandatory.
For covered rentals
Include the written AB 1482 notice about the rent cap and just cause. This requirement applies to covered rentals, not every property.
A sale changes ownership. The details still matter.
Account for each deposit
The seller transfers each tenant’s deposit to the buyer or refunds it after lawful deductions. Tell each tenant in writing what was done.
Showing the property
24 hours’ notice is presumed reasonable for a showing. Notice by phone or in person works only after written for-sale notice has been given within the prior 120 days.
The phone or in-person route is conditional, not a blanket alternative to written notice.
Together, from the start.
When RNB manages your rental, the lease, addenda and required disclosures go out together, and the tenant’s copy is delivered on time.
Talk to us about your rental
or call (916) 435-2424 The details owners ask about.
- When does my tenant get a signed lease copy?
- Within 15 days of signing. The tenant can also request another copy once a year.
- Must I test a pre-1978 home for lead before renting?
- No. Testing for or removing lead paint is not required to rent. Disclose known lead-based paint or hazards and provide the federal lead hazard pamphlet before signing.
- What happens to deposits when I sell?
- Transfer each tenant's deposit to the buyer or refund it after lawful deductions, and tell each tenant in writing what you did.
General information about California law, not legal advice. City rent control and local rules can change the answer.
Updated November 1, 2026. RNB Property Management, DRE license #01900856.