California Required Disclosures for Landlords: Complete List

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 penalties and may jeopardize your ability to enforce lease terms.

Federal Disclosures

Official Law Citation: The rules and regulations outlined on this page are strictly configured under the official California Civil Code §1710.2 (Megan's Law)Il-preview mhux disponibbli. Landlords must always ensure their lease agreements directly adhere to this state code.

Lead-Based Paint (Pre-1978 Properties)

For any residential property built before 1978, landlords must:

1. Provide the EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home"
2. Disclose any known lead-based paint or hazards
3. Provide any available reports or records on lead-based paint
4. Include a lead disclosure form signed by both parties in the lease

Penalty: Up to $19,507 per violation (as of 2024) under federal law.

State Disclosures

Megan's Law (Sex Offender Database)

Landlords must include a notice informing tenants about the existence of the Megan's Law database (Civil Code §1710.2). The notice must state that information about registered sex offenders is available at the California Department of Justice website.

Mold Disclosure Landlords must disclose the known presence of mold that exceeds permissible exposure limits or poses a health threat (Health & Safety Code §26147-26148).

Bed Bug History

As of January 2016, landlords must provide tenants with information about bed bugs, including their behavior and biology, as well as disclose any known bed bug infestations in the unit.

Flood Hazard Zone

If the property is in a designated flood hazard zone, the landlord must disclose this to the tenant (Civil Code §1940.7). This applies to areas identified by FEMA.

Military Ordnance Location

Landlords must disclose if the property is within one mile of a former military ordnance location (Civil Code §1940.7(b)).

Demolition Intent

If a city or county has issued a permit to demolish the property, the landlord must disclose this before entering a rental agreement.

Pest Control Reports

If any pest control inspection report has been prepared within the past two years, the landlord must provide a copy to the tenant (Civil Code §1099).

Smoking Policy Landlords must disclose the smoking policy for the property, including which areas of the property (if any) allow smoking (Civil Code §1947.5).

Death on the Property

Landlords must disclose any death that occurred on the property within the last three years, with exceptions for deaths from AIDS-related illness (Civil Code §1710.2).

Shared Utility Arrangements

If gas or electricity meters are not separately metered, or if one tenant's utility service supplies another unit, the landlord must disclose this arrangement.

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.

AB 1482 Disclosures (Tenant Protection Act)

If the property is subject to the Tenant Protection Act, landlords must provide written notice that includes:

1. The fact that the tenancy is subject to rent caps and just cause eviction protections
2. The applicable rent increase limit
3. The tenant's rights under the act

If the property is exempt from AB 1482, the landlord must provide an exemption notice.

Best Practices for Managing Disclosures

1. Use a disclosure checklist - Create a standardized packet for each new lease
2. Get signed acknowledgments - Have tenants sign that they received each disclosure
3. Keep copies on file - Store signed disclosures with the lease documents
4. Update annually - Some disclosures (like pest control) may need periodic updates
5. Check local requirements - Cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland have additional mandatory disclosures

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