California Required Disclosures for Landlords: Complete List
Full list of mandatory disclosures California landlords must provide tenants, including lead paint, mold, Megan's Law, flood zones, bed bugs, and more.
Legal Disclaimer
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Laws change frequently — always verify current regulations and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice specific to your situation. Landager is a property management platform, not a law firm.Information last verified: May 2026.
Under the California Civil Code of 1872 (which became effective on January 1, 1873), California requires landlords to disclose a wide range of information to tenants before or at the beginning of a tenancy. Failure to make required disclosures can result in statutory penalties, tenant lawsuits in the Superior Court of California, and may jeopardize your ability to enforce lease terms or pursue an eviction.
Federal Disclosures
Official Law Citations: California residential disclosure requirements are governed by multiple statutes including Civil Code §2079.10a (Megan's Law), Civil Code §1710.2 (Death on Property), Government Code §8589.45 (Flood Hazard), Health & Safety Code §26147 (Mold), and Civil Code §1954.603 (Bed Bugs).
Lead-Based Paint (Pre-1978 Properties)
For any residential property built before 1978, landlords must:
- Provide the EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home"
- Disclose any known lead-based paint or hazards
- Provide any available reports or records on lead-based paint
- Include a lead disclosure form signed by both parties in the lease
Penalty: Up to $21,227 per violation (inflation-adjusted for 2024-2025) under federal law.
State Disclosures
Megan's Law (Sex Offender Database)
Landlords must include a statutory notice, in not less than 8-point type, informing tenants about the existence of the Megan's Law database (Civil Code §2079.10a). The notice must direct tenants to the California Department of Justice sex offender registry at www.meganslaw.ca.gov.
Mold Disclosure
Landlords must provide written disclosure to prospective and current tenants when they know, or have reasonable cause to believe, that mold is present that exceeds permissible exposure limits or poses a health threat (Health & Safety Code §26147). Separately, landlords must also distribute the state-approved consumer booklet on mold health risks to prospective tenants prior to signing a lease (Health & Safety Code §26148).
Bed Bug History
Under Civil Code §1954.603, landlords must provide tenants with information about bed bugs, including their behavior and biology, and must provide a specific notice regarding how to report suspected infestations. Landlords are prohibited from showing or renting a unit that has an active infestation.
Flood Hazard Zone
For any residential lease entered into on or after July 1, 2018, if the landlord has actual knowledge that the property is located in a special flood hazard area or an area of potential flooding, the landlord must disclose this in the lease in not less than 8-point type (Government Code §8589.45).
Military Ordnance Location
Landlords who have actual knowledge of a former federal or state ordnance location within one mile of the rental property must provide written notice to prospective tenants prior to executing a rental agreement (Civil Code §1940.7).
Demolition Intent
If a landlord has applied for a permit to demolish a residential unit, they must provide written notice to prospective tenants before entering into a rental agreement or accepting any fees (Civil Code §1940.6). The notice must include the expected date of demolition.
Pest Control Reports
If a landlord has a contract for periodic structural pest control service, the landlord must provide each new tenant with a copy of the notice provided by the pest control company (Civil Code §1940.8). This overrides the general disclosure requirements of Business and Professions Code §8538 for residential tenancies.
Smoking Policy
Landlords must disclose the smoking policy for the property in the lease agreement, including whether smoking is prohibited or limited to specific areas (Civil Code §1947.5).
Death on the Property
Landlords must disclose any death that occurred on the property within the last three years, if they have knowledge of it, per Civil Code §1710.2. Deaths from AIDS-related complications or HIV status are strictly exempt from disclosure.
Shared Utility Arrangements
If a rental unit does not have a separate gas or electric meter, and the landlord knows that the service also provides utilities to areas outside the tenant's dwelling, the landlord must disclose this arrangement and reach a written agreement on how costs are allocated (Civil Code §1940.9).
Registered Structural Pest Control Company
If the property is under contract with a structural pest control company, the landlord must provide the name and address of that company to the tenant.
AB 1482 Disclosures (Tenant Protection Act)
Under Civil Code §§ 1946.2 and 1947.12, if the property is subject to the Tenant Protection Act of 2019, landlords must provide a specific statutory notice informing the tenant that the property is subject to rent caps and just cause eviction protections. If the property is exempt (e.g., single-family homes not owned by a corporation), a specific exemption notice must be included in the lease or as a written addendum.
Best Practices for Managing Disclosures
- Use a Disclosure Packet - Create a standardized bundle for each new lease to ensure no statutory notice is missed.
- Obtain Signed Receipts - Have tenants sign and date an acknowledgment of receipt for each specific disclosure.
- Verify Local Ordinances - Cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose may have additional local disclosure requirements (e.g., LARSO notices).
- Superior Court Filing - Ensure all required disclosures were provided before filing any Unlawful Detainer action in the Superior Court of California, as failure to disclose can be a valid defense.
Sources & Official References
- California Civil Code §2079.10a (Megan's Law Notice)
- California Civil Code §1710.2 (Death on Property Disclosure)
- California Government Code §8589.45 (Flood Hazard Zone Disclosure)
- California Civil Code §1940.7 (Former Military Ordnance Location)
- California Health and Safety Code §26147 (Known Mold Disclosure)
- California Civil Code §1954.603 (Bed Bug Disclosure)
- California Civil Code §1940.9 (Shared Utility Disclosure)
- California Civil Code §1940.8 (Structural Pest Control Disclosure)
- California Civil Code §1940.6 (Intent to Demolish Disclosure)
- California Civil Code §1946.2 (Tenant Protection Act Disclosures)
Frequently Asked Questions
▶What disclosures must California landlords provide to tenants?
California requires extensive pre-lease disclosures including: lead-based paint warnings (pre-1978 buildings), Megan's Law sex offender database notice, bed bug history, mold hazards, proximity to former military ordnance locations, flood zone status, and any known environmental hazards. Landlords must also disclose the property's demolition or renovation history and provide contact information for the property owner or authorized agent.
▶What are the California landlord-tenant laws every property owner should know?
California landlord-tenant law is governed primarily by Civil Code §1940–1954.06 and the Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482). Key requirements include a one-month security deposit limit (effective July 2024), statewide rent caps of 5% + CPI or 10% (whichever is lower), just-cause eviction protections for tenancies over 12 months, mandatory habitability standards, and extensive disclosure requirements. Non-compliance can result in statutory penalties and punitive damages.
Read the complete guide▶What is the California eviction process and how long does it take?
California distinguishes between at-fault and no-fault evictions. For unpaid rent, landlords serve a 3-Day Notice to Pay or Quit. For lease violations, a 3-Day Notice to Cure or Quit is required. No-fault evictions require 30 days notice for tenancies under one year, or 60 days for longer tenancies, plus relocation assistance equal to one month's rent under AB 1482. After notice expires, an Unlawful Detainer lawsuit is filed, and the full court process typically takes 5-8 weeks.
Read the complete guide▶What is the California security deposit limit in 2026?
As of July 1, 2024, California limits security deposits to one month's rent for all residential properties, regardless of whether the unit is furnished or unfurnished — eliminating the previous two-month limit. Landlords must return the deposit within 21 days of move-out with an itemized statement of deductions. Allowable deductions include unpaid rent, cleaning beyond normal wear and tear, and repair of tenant-caused damage.
Read the complete guide▶What are the California rent increase laws and caps for landlords?
Under AB 1482 (the Tenant Protection Act), most California residential properties are subject to annual rent caps of 5% plus the local Consumer Price Index (CPI), or 10%, whichever is lower. Landlords must provide 30 days written notice for increases of 10% or less, and 90 days for increases above 10%. Exemptions include properties built within the last 15 years, certain single-family homes, and owner-occupied duplexes.
Read the complete guide▶What is the grace period for late rent in California?
California does not mandate a statutory grace period for late rent — technically, rent is late the day after it is due. However, most leases include a 3-5 day contractual grace period. Late fees must be reasonable and reflect the landlord's actual costs from the delay. A 3-Day Notice to Pay or Quit cannot be served until rent is actually past due, and courts may reject excessive late fee provisions as unenforceable penalties.
Read the complete guide▶What are the California lease requirements for rental properties?
While oral leases are technically valid for terms under one year, California strongly favors written agreements. Required lease elements include rent amount and due date, security deposit terms, maintenance responsibilities, and rules regarding pets, smoking, and subletting. Lease terms must comply with AB 1482 just-cause eviction protections, and any waiver of tenant rights in the lease is void and unenforceable.
Read the complete guide▶What are California landlord maintenance obligations and habitability standards?
Under California's implied warranty of habitability, landlords must maintain properties in fit and livable condition. This includes working plumbing, heating, electrical systems, weatherproofing, clean common areas, functioning locks and windows, and pest control. If a landlord fails to make necessary repairs within 30 days of written notice, tenants may use the 'repair and deduct' remedy (up to one month's rent) or withhold rent entirely until conditions are corrected.
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