(1) Existing law regulates the hiring of real property and imposes various requirements on landlords relating to the application for, and leasing of, residential rental property. Existing law establishes provisions for the renewal or termination of a hiring of residential real property for an unspecified term. Existing law specifies the notice required for the termination of a hiring of residential property for an unspecified term. Existing law makes a tenant of real property guilty of unlawful detainer if, among other things, the tenant continues in possession of the real property after giving notice of termination of a hiring of residential property for an unspecified term.
This bill would prohibit a landlord or its agent from charging a tenant a fee for serving, posting, or otherwise delivering any notice, as specified in the above-described provisions.
(2) Existing law requires a landlord or landlord's agent to allow a tenant to pay rent and deposit of security by at least one form of payment that is neither cash nor electronic funds transfer, except as prescribed.
This bill would prohibit a landlord or its agent from charging a tenant any fee for payment by check for rent or security deposit as described above.
(3) Existing law prohibits a landlord from demanding or receiving security, however denominated, in an amount or value in excess of an amount equal to one month's rent, in addition to any rent for the first month paid on or before initial occupancy, except as provided.
If a landlord or agent charges a service member a higher than standard or advertised security deposit as described above, this bill would require the lease agreement to include a statement of, among other things, the amount of the higher fee and an explanation why the higher security deposit amount is being charged. The bill would require the additional amount of security deposit to be returned to the tenant after no more than 6 months of residency if the tenant is not in arrears for any rent due during that period and if the higher amount is not due to a prior history of residential property damage.

Statutes affected:
SB611: 1798.18 CIV
02/15/23 - Introduced: 1798.18 CIV
03/20/23 - Amended Senate: 1798.18 CIV
04/25/23 - Amended Senate: 1946 CIV, 1946.1 CIV, 1947.3 CIV, 1950.5 CIV
05/04/23 - Amended Senate: 1946 CIV, 1946.1 CIV, 1947.3 CIV, 1950.5 CIV
05/25/23 - Amended Senate: 1946 CIV, 1946.1 CIV, 1947.3 CIV, 1950.5 CIV
06/10/24 - Amended Assembly: 1946 CIV, 1946.1 CIV, 1947.3 CIV, 1950.5 CIV
06/27/24 - Amended Assembly: 1946 CIV, 1946.1 CIV, 1947.3 CIV, 1950.5 CIV
SB 611: 1798.18 CIV