SACRAMENTO – Several new California laws have gone into effect as of July 1, 2024, ranging from tenant security deposits being capped to hidden fees being banned and requiring bars to offer date rape drug testing kits.
Here is a breakdown of what state laws are now active.
Security deposits
California renters can no longer be asked by landlords to provide a security deposit greater than one month’s rent.
The bill, authored by Assemblyman Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) was signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom last October and applies whether or not a unit is furnished or unfurnished.
Exempt are landlords who own no more than two rental properties with a collective total of four units or fewer, and who are “a natural person or a limited liability company in which all members are natural persons,” according to the law. Those landlords can ask for security deposits up to two times the monthly rent.
California joins around a dozen other states that have capped tenant security deposits at one month’s rent.