Contra Costa County
Not legal advice. We’re property managers, not attorneys. This post reflects our professional experience — not legal counsel. For your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney ↓
California rules that also apply
| Law | Where | Topic | Status | Effective | Last reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SB 1296: Written Pet Policies Before Rental ApplicationsSB 1296 (Stats. 2026, ch. 1025); Civ. Code § 1942.7.5 (new) | California | Fees and advertising, Required disclosures, Screening and fair housing | Upcoming | Apr 1, 2027 | Oct 5, 2026 |
| AB 2025: Disclosing Digitally Altered Photos in Rental AdsAB 2025 (Stats. 2026); Civ. Code § 1940.11 (new); Bus. & Prof. Code § 10140.8 | California | Fees and advertising, Required disclosures | Upcoming | Jan 1, 2027 | Sep 29, 2026 |
| AB 747 (SPARE Act): Stricter Proof of Service in EvictionsAB 747 (Stats. 2025, ch. 563), as amended by AB 2042 (Stats. 2026, ch. 379); Code Civ. Proc. §§ 415.20, 415.45, 417.10, 473.2, 1166 | California | Just cause and evictions | Upcoming | Jan 1, 2027 | Sep 29, 2026 |
| AB 246: Social Security Hardship Defense in Nonpayment EvictionsAB 246 (Stats. 2025, ch. 337); Civ. Code § 1946.3 | California | Just cause and evictions | In force | Jan 1, 2026 | Oct 14, 2026 |
| AB 2801: Security Deposit PhotosAB 2801 (Stats. 2024, ch. 280); Civ. Code § 1950.5 | California | Security deposits | In force | Apr 1, 2025 | Sep 25, 2026 |
| AB 2347: 10 Court Days to Answer an Eviction LawsuitAB 2347 (Stats. 2024, ch. 512); CCP §§ 1167, 1170 | California | Just cause and evictions | In force | Jan 1, 2025 | Oct 5, 2026 |
| Security Deposits: The One-Month Cap and 21-Day Return RuleCiv. Code § 1950.5 (as amended by AB 12, AB 2801, AB 414) | California | Security deposits | In force | Jul 1, 2024 | Sep 25, 2026 |
| SB 567: Owner Move-In and Substantial Remodel EvictionsSB 567 (Stats. 2023, ch. 290); Civ. Code § 1946.2(b)(2)(A), (D), (h) | California | Just cause and evictions, Relocation and terminations | In force | Apr 1, 2024 | Oct 5, 2026 |
| AB 1482 Just Cause: When a California Landlord Can End a TenancyAB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act); Civ. Code § 1946.2 | California | Just cause and evictions | In force | Jan 1, 2020 | Sep 25, 2026 |
| AB 1482 Rent Cap: California’s Statewide Limit on Rent IncreasesAB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act); Civ. Code § 1947.12 | California | Rent increases | In force | Jan 1, 2020 | Sep 25, 2026 |
| Costa-Hawkins: Limits on Local Rent ControlCiv. Code §§ 1954.50–1954.535 | California | Rent increases | In force | Jan 1, 1996 | Oct 5, 2026 |
| Landlord Entry: Notice and Access Rules (Civil Code 1954)Civ. Code § 1954; § 1940.2(a)(4), (b) | California | Entry and privacy | In force | Oct 14, 2026 | |
| California Fair Housing: Protected Classes and Source of IncomeGov. Code §§ 12927, 12955 (FEHA); SB 329 (2019); SB 267 (2023); SB 1137 and AB 1815 (2024) | California | Screening and fair housing | In force | Oct 5, 2026 | |
| Ending a Month-to-Month Tenancy: 30- and 60-Day NoticesCiv. Code §§ 1946, 1946.1 | California | Just cause and evictions, Relocation and terminations | In force | Oct 5, 2026 | |
| Self-Help Eviction, Harassment, and Retaliation in CaliforniaCiv. Code §§ 789.3, 1940.2, 1942.5 | California | Just cause and evictions | In force | Oct 5, 2026 | |
| Habitability: What a California Landlord Must MaintainCiv. Code §§ 1941, 1941.1, 1942 (as amended by AB 628) | California | Habitability and repairs | In force | Sep 25, 2026 | |
| Rent Increase Notice Rules: 30 or 90 Days (Civil Code 827)Civ. Code § 827 | California | Rent increases | In force | Sep 25, 2026 | |
| 3-Day Notices in California: Pay or Quit, Cure or Quit, and How to Serve ThemCode Civ. Proc. §§ 1161, 1162 | California | Just cause and evictions | In force | Sep 25, 2026 |
Article provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. California landlord-tenant law is subject to change, and local ordinances in Berkeley, Oakland, and other East Bay cities may impose requirements beyond those described here. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified property management professional before taking action based on any information in this guide.
📬 Get the Thursday Tip + Free Rental Rules Cheat Sheet
A quick-reference guide to California and East Bay rental rules for 2026.
One practical East Bay housing insight, delivered weekly by email.


