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The Daily Insight

What are landlord responsibilities in California?

Author

Mia Ramsey

Published Mar 12, 2026

Under the California Civil Code, landlords of a property must ensure that certain conditions are met which make the living space habitable and safe for potential lessees. These conditions include ensuring proper electric, gas, and plumbing utilities, as well as installing proper locks and security systems.

Can you hold over on a contracted out lease?

At the expiry of a contracted-out lease1relating to commercial premises, the tenant has no automatic right to remain in situ. Whereas, if the provisions have not been excluded then the tenant will be entitled to remain unless one of the parties has sought to determine the tenancy by a prescribed method.

Does a yearly lease automatically go month-to-month California?

In California, residential rental agreements automatically convert to month-to-month tenancies at the end of your lease term. At the end of each month thereafter, the agreement renews automatically for themselves in perpetuity, as long as you the tenant remains in possession of your home.

Can landlord refuse to renew lease California?

No Obligation to Renew You have the right to not renew your lease and no legal reason compels you to renew. At the same time, the landlord is deciding whether to renew your lease agreement. She is under no obligation to renew it, even if you are a fine tenant.

What is considered landlord harassment in California?

Landlord harassment is illegal. California state law and local city ordinances protect tenants against harassment. Harassment is when a landlord uses persistent aggressive methods, fraud, coercion, or intimidation to get a tenant to do what the landlord wants.

What is outside the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954?

Outside the Act If a new lease isn’t agreed then the tenant must vacate. You will know if a lease is outside of the Act by reading the lease. It will state that the lease is outside the provisions of section 24-28 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 Part II. These are the sections which govern the right to renew.

Can a landlord terminate a month-to-month lease without cause in California?

By the California Civil Code, a landlord can terminate a month-to-month tenancy for any reason, simply by serving notice. The notice period is either 30 days or 60 days, depending on how long you have occupied the property. The notice does not have to say why the landlord wants you to move out.

How much notice does a landlord have to give if not renewing lease California?

Give Proper Notice You don’t need to give a reason for your decision to not renew. Similarly, the landlord must give you a 30-day written notice if you’ve lived there less than one year, or a 60-day notice if you’ve lived there more than one year.