New California Rental Laws Every Landlord Should Understand in 2026

California continues to expand tenant protections, and several new laws now affect how landlords handle rent collection, security deposits, and bundled services. These updates carry real operational and legal implications, especially for property owners managing their own rentals. Below is a clear breakdown of what changed — and what every landlord needs to do to stay compliant.

AB 246 — Social Security Hardship Defense

This new statute protects tenants who rely on Social Security income when those payments are disrupted for reasons outside their control.

What landlords need to know:

•            A tenant cannot be evicted for nonpayment of rent if their Social Security benefits are delayed.

•            This protection lasts for up to 180 days while the disruption is ongoing.

•            Once benefits resume, the tenant has 14 days to pay all outstanding rent.

This law doesn’t forgive rent — it simply pauses eviction rights during the interruption.

AB 414 — Major Changes to Security Deposit Deductions & Move‑Out Inspections

California has strengthened the rules around pre‑move‑out walkthroughs and security deposit handling. These changes significantly increase documentation requirements for landlords.

Pre‑Exit Walkthrough Rules

If a tenant requests a pre‑move‑out inspection after being informed of their right:

•            The landlord must identify all cleaning and repair items during that walkthrough.

•            Anything not listed at that time cannot be deducted later, unless the tenant’s belongings blocked the area and prevented inspection.

•            Photographs are now essential — before move‑in, after move‑out (before repairs), and after repairs are completed.

If the tenant declines the walkthrough, these restrictions do not apply.

Updated Security Deposit Return Procedures

The amended Civil Code §1950.5 now requires:

•            Tenants who paid electronically must be offered an electronic refund option.

•            The itemized deposit statement may be emailed if the tenant prefers.

•            When multiple adults are on the lease, landlords must request instructions on how the refund should be divided.

•            If no instructions are provided, one check must be issued to all tenants and mailed to a single designated address.

These updates raise the bar for transparency and recordkeeping.

AB 1414 — Tenants Can Opt Out of Internet or Phone Service Fees

Some landlords partner with third‑party providers to offer bundled internet, cellular, or satellite services. Under AB 1414:

•            Tenants must be allowed to opt out of any subscription‑based service tied to their tenancy.

•            If a tenant opts out but is still charged, they may deduct the subscription cost from their rent.

•            Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants who choose not to participate.

This applies even when the service is delivered through a wired system but accessed wirelessly.

These new laws increase the administrative burden on landlords — more documentation, more communication, and stricter timelines. For owners managing their own properties, compliance mistakes can quickly become expensive.

Black Marlin Property Management stays ahead of every legislative update so our clients remain protected and fully compliant. Our veteran‑led approach ensures discipline, accuracy, and peace of mind in an increasingly complex regulatory environment.

For more information contact us at 949-258-9226