Landlord Responsibility Statements

California Landlord Responsibility Statement 

Effective Date: November 1, 2025

Purpose

This Landlord Responsibility Statement sets the obligations and standards that all landlords and property managers must follow when using the Tentunit platform to list and manage rental properties in California. By using Tentunit, landlords agree to uphold these responsibilities to ensure a trustworthy, compliant, and transparent housing environment for student renters across the state. This Statement reflects key California requirements—including the Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482), the 2024 security-deposit reforms (AB 12), habitability rules, disclosure requirements, and fair-housing obligations—together with Tentunit platform standards. (See Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1946.2, 1947.12; CA Attorney General guidance on AB 1482.

Listing Accuracy and Transparency

All Tentunit listings must be complete, current, and truthful. State and federal law prohibit false or misleading advertising; California’s Unfair Competition and False Advertising Law (Bus. & Prof. Code § 17500) bans deceptive claims in ads, and the FTC requires truthful, non-misleading marketing. Photos must depict the actual unit in its present condition (no model-unit or digitally enhanced photos that misrepresent reality). Price and availability must match what a renter can actually obtain at the time of inquiry.

  • Complete pricing & terms. Clearly state rent, lease term, start date, required fees (application/screening fee, security deposit, pet deposit, parking, utilities if billed separately), and any rent concessions with their conditions. Ads must not omit material conditions. (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17500; FTC truth-in-advertising.)
  • Accurate photos. Use current, unaltered images of the specific unit (or clearly label community photos if used alongside unit photos).
  • Availability confirmation. Do not list units that are already rented, “held,” or otherwise unavailable. Promptly update or remove listings when the status changes. (False advertising is unlawful under § 17500.)

Bait-and-switch is prohibited. Advertising one unit/price to steer prospects to a different, higher-priced unit is deceptive under California law and consumer-protection standards.

No Misleading or Deceptive Practices

  • Honest descriptions. List only amenities that actually exist and will be provided during the lease term.
  • Real pricing. If using “starting at” or limited-time pricing, the advertised price must be available for a currently available unit; disclose all material conditions clearly and conspicuously.
  • Immediate updates. Remove or update listings as soon as a unit is no longer available or terms change, to avoid false-advertising exposure. (Bus. & Prof. Code § 17500.) 

Full Disclosure of Policies and Fees

All material rental policies must be disclosed in the listing and the lease:

  • Screening criteria & fees. State application requirements (credit, income, rental history) and screening fee. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.6, screening fees are limited to the actual screening cost and may not exceed the annually adjusted cap (for reference, the cap was $62.02 in 2024; check the current year’s published cap). Provide a receipt itemizing actual costs on request.
  • Pets & smoking. Disclose pet rules and any deposits/fees; disclose the smoking policy in leases signed after Jan. 1, 2012 (Cal. Civ. Code § 1947.5).
  • Utility billing. If gas/electric meters are shared or service from a tenant’s meter serves areas outside the unit, landlords must disclose the arrangement and how costs will be allocated before tenancy (Cal. Civ. Code § 1940.9). If billing for water via submeters (required for most new multifamily built after 1/1/2018), provide the water-submeter disclosures and billing details required by Civ. Code §§ 1954.201–1954.205.
  • Statutory disclosures. Where applicable, provide: lead-based paint disclosure for pre-1978 homes (federal), bedbug disclosure materials (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1954.600–1954.605), flood-risk disclosure (Gov. Code § 8589.45), mold (known conditions and health risks), and pesticide-use notices when required.

By disclosing these terms up front, listings remain transparent and compliant.

Timely Communication

Landlords using Tentunit must respond promptly and professionally to inquiries, applications, and maintenance requests target within 24 hours, and no later than 48 hours.

  • Prompt responses. Acknowledge receipt, outline next steps, and keep tenants informed until resolution.
  • Professional & non-discriminatory tone. All communications must comply with federal Fair Housing Act and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA, Gov. Code § 12955), including California’s “source of income” protection (which includes housing vouchers as of 2020). Avoid preferences or discouraging language tied to protected classes.
  • Accurate listing upkeep. Update Tentunit listings immediately upon material changes (availability, rent, amenities).

Tentunit may suspend listings for violations of these communication and fair-housing standards.

Fair Housing and Equal Access

All landlords on Tentunit must comply with the Fair Housing Act and FEHA. California’s protected classes include (among others) race, color, national origin, religion, sex (incl. gender identity/sexual orientation), familial status, disability, source of income (incl. vouchers), and more. Advertising that indicates a preference/limitation is illegal. Provide reasonable accommodations and reasonable modifications for tenants with disabilities. (See CRD/DFEH guidance.) 

If a listing or interaction violates these standards, Tentunit will remove it immediately. Note that some localities impose additional protections (e.g., certain cities regulate criminal-history screening in housing); landlords are responsible for complying with local ordinances in addition to state and federal law. 

Rent Collection and Payment Structure

Tentunit collects rent on landlords’ behalf, deducts authorized platform and processing fees, and remits the net proceeds per our Payment Terms.

  • Collection & fees. Tentunit deducts service and processing fees before payout.
  • Payout schedule. Net rent is disbursed to the designated account according to the Payment Terms.
  • Compliance & enforcement. Rent transactions follow applicable laws. Late fees must be reasonable and reflect a genuine estimate of costs—not punitive liquidated damages—under Cal. Civ. Code § 1671; the lease must clearly disclose any late-fee policy. Landlords may not require “cash-only” rent except in limited cases and with proper statutory notice; landlords must accept at least one non-electronic method (Cal. Civ. Code § 1947.3).

Property Condition and Maintenance

California law requires landlords to maintain habitable premises and comply with building and housing codes. The implied warranty of habitability (Green v. Superior Court) and Cal. Civ. Code § 1941.1 set baseline requirements: effective waterproofing, plumbing, gas/electric, heat, hot water, sanitation, ventilation, sound structure, and freedom from vermin. Required safety devices (e.g., smoke alarms, carbon-monoxide detectors) must be operable. Water heaters must be properly braced/seismic-strapped. 

Essential habitability features include: reliable heat/hot water; safe electrical and plumbing systems; structurally sound roofs, floors, walls; and pest-free conditions. Common areas must be kept clean and safe. 

Maintenance and Repairs

Landlords must respond and repair promptly when issues arise or when notified by tenants. California provides remedies such as repair-and-deduct (generally up to one month’s rent, no more than twice in 12 months) where certain conditions are met. Emergency conditions require immediate action; non-emergencies still require timely scheduling and follow-through. Provide a clear process for work orders and after-hours emergencies. (See Cal. Civ. Code § 1942; California Courts Self-Help guidance.)

  • Maintain landlord-provided appliances in good working order (where included in the lease).
  • Use licensed professionals when required by law or code.
  • Keep written records of requests, responses, and repairs.

Lease Terms: Utilities and Services

The lease must precisely state which utilities/services are included in rent and which are tenant-paid. Where shared gas/electric exists, disclose the arrangement and cost allocation before move-in (Civ. Code § 1940.9). If billing for water with unit submeters, comply with Civ. Code §§ 1954.201–1954.205 (required disclosures, itemized bills, leak notices, billing limits/adjustments). Where submeters are not required or installed, landlords must not bill tenants for water in a way that charges them for areas not under their exclusive control. 

Inspections and Cleaning Schedules

Routine inspections and preventive maintenance are encouraged to identify issues early. Entry rules: except for emergencies, landlords may enter only for lawful reasons and with reasonable advance notice, typically 24-hours written notice for repairs, inspections, or showings, and only during normal business hours, per Cal. Civ. Code § 1954. Respect tenant privacy and minimize disruption. If building cleaning/janitorial services are provided (e.g., hallways), describe schedules in the lease or house rules. 

Emergency Contact Information

At or before lease signing, provide written contact information for the person authorized to manage the premises and the owner/agent for service of notices, as required by Cal. Civ. Code § 1962. Post or otherwise supply an after-hours emergency number for urgent issues (gas leaks, floods, no heat, etc.). Keep contact details current and notify tenants of any change within the statutory timeframe. 

Lease Terms and Legal Compliance

  • Written lease. Provide a written lease that complies with federal, state, and local law. Electronic leases executed via Tentunit are enforceable under ESIGN (15 U.S.C. § 7001) and California’s Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (Civ. Code § 1633.1 et seq.).
  • Notices of rent increases. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 827, rent increases >10% (in any 12-month period) require 90 days’ written notice; increases ≤10% require 30 days’ notice.
  • Ending month-to-month tenancies. 30 days’ notice if all occupants have resided <1 year; 60 days’ notice if any tenant has resided ≥1 year (Civ. Code § 1946.1).
  • Just cause & rent cap (AB 1482). For most multi-unit housing not otherwise exempt, after 12 months of tenancy:
    • Just-cause eviction rules apply (at-fault and no-fault).
    • No-fault terminations (e.g., owner move-in, withdrawal, substantial remodel) generally require relocation assistance equal to one month’s rent or a rent waiver.
    • Annual rent cap: the lesser of 5% + CPI or 10%.
    • Common exemptions include new construction (first 15 years), single-family homes/condos owned by natural persons (with required exemption notice), and dormitories of higher-education institutions. (See Civ. Code §§ 1946.2, 1947.12, as amended by SB 567 effective 2024.)
  • Pre-move-out inspection (tenant’s right). On request, offer an initial inspection before move-out and provide a 48-hour entry notice for that inspection so tenants can correct identified issues (Civ. Code § 1950.5(f)).
  • Domestic violence/abuse early termination. California allows certain survivors (domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, elder/dependent abuse) to terminate a lease early with documentation; tenants generally owe up to 30 days’ rent after notice (Civ. Code § 1946.7).
  • Lead-based paint disclosure (pre-1978). Provide the EPA pamphlet “Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home” and required disclosure/lead warning statement.
  • Bedbugs, mold, pesticides & flood risk. Provide required bedbug information, mold disclosures where applicable, pesticide-use notices when pesticides are applied (including DIY applications per Structural Pest Control Board rules), and flood-risk disclosures when required.

Landlord entry must follow Civ. Code § 1954; harassment and retaliation are prohibited under Civ. Code §§ 1940.2 and 1942.5. 

Move-In and Move-Out Standards

  • Move-in condition. Deliver a clean, safe, undamaged, and habitable unit meeting Civ. Code § 1941.1 and local codes. Provide working smoke/CO detectors and water-heater bracing where required.
  • Move-in documentation. Use a Tentunit move-in checklist with photos; both parties sign and retain copies in Tentunit.
  • Pre-move-out walkthrough. Offer the initial inspection with a 48-hour notice (see above) and provide a list of proposed deductions so the tenant has an opportunity to remedy before the tenancy ends (Civ. Code § 1950.5(f)).

Security Deposit Disclosure and Handling

Tentunit will collect and hold security deposits in a custodial account, then process lawful deductions and return the balance per California law.

  • Deposit caps (AB 12, effective July 1, 2024). For most residential rentals, security deposits are capped at one month’s rent (regardless of whether furnished), with limited exceptions for certain small landlords (natural persons/qualifying small entities with limited property holdings). Landlords are responsible for ensuring they meet any exception before collecting above one month. (See CA AG summary and Civ. Code § 1950.5 updates.)
  • Required disclosures. State the deposit amount and terms in the listing and lease.
  • Lawful deductions only. After move-out, deductions may be taken only for: (1) unpaid rent; (2) cleaning to return the unit to the same level of cleanliness as at move-in; (3) repair of damage beyond ordinary wear and tear; and (4) restoration of landlord-provided items per the lease. (Civ. Code § 1950.5(b).)
  • 21-day deadline & itemization. Within 21 calendar days after the tenant vacates and returns possession, Tentunit (on the landlord’s behalf) will send an itemized statement and return any remaining balance. If deductions exceed statutory thresholds or if work isn’t complete, provide receipts or good-faith estimates as the statute requires. Mail to the tenant’s last known address (often the vacated unit) if no forwarding address is provided. (Civ. Code § 1950.5(g); California Courts Self-Help.)
  • Local interest requirements. California does not require interest on deposits statewide, but some cities do (e.g., San Francisco requires annual interest—5.0% for Mar 1, 2025–Feb 28, 2026; Berkeley also requires annual interest per local rules and rates). Tentunit will support calculating and disbursing any locally required interest where applicable.
  • Documentation & records. Upload the move-in checklist, invoices/receipts, photos, and the itemized deduction statement to Tentunit. Thorough records reduce disputes and ensure compliance.

Indemnification and Violations

Indemnification. Landlord shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Tentunit, its affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, and contractors from and against all claims, losses, liabilities, damages, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from or relating to Landlord’s actions or omissions, including: (a) breach of this Statement or any Tentunit policy or agreement; (b) violation of any law or third-party right; (c) negligence, fraud, misrepresentation, or other misconduct; (d) injury or damage caused by the listing/property/services; and (e) disputes with tenants, renters, or other users.

Enforcement. Tentunit may suspend or terminate accounts, remove listings, and take other remedial steps without prior notice if a landlord engages in fraud, misrepresentation, discrimination, harassment, unlawful practices, or other policy violations. Repeated or severe violations may result in permanent removal. Tentunit may seek injunctive relief and other remedies (including reasonable liquidated damages where permitted) to prevent or address harm.

Notes on California-Specific Compliance You Must Build Into Your Practices

  • Cash/Payment rules. Do not require cash-only rent (except as allowed with proper notice after a dishonored check); accept at least one non-electronic method. (Civ. Code § 1947.3.) San Rafael
  • Entry & privacy. Follow Civ. Code § 1954 for entry; no harassment/retaliation (Civ. Code §§ 1940.2, 1942.5). California State Assembly+1
  • Health & safety devices. Maintain smoke alarms (H&S Code § 13113.7) and CO detectors (H&S Code § 17926) in working order; ensure water-heater seismic bracing (H&S Code § 19211). California Tenant Law+1
  • Pesticide notices. Provide required pre/post-application notices when pesticides are applied (including owner/employee applications) per Structural Pest Control Board regulations. pestboard.ca.gov

Note: This Statement is a platform policy document and general legal summary for California. It is not legal advice. Local ordinances (e.g., rent control/just-cause rules, relocation assistance, added protected classes, security-deposit interest, detector/safety requirements) may impose additional obligations you are responsible for complying with any local overlays applicable to your property.