Knowledge Center: California Real Estate Law

Plain-English guides, statute pointers, timelines, and checklists for owners, buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants in California.

Disclaimer: This Knowledge Center provides general information, not legal advice. Laws and local ordinances change and can vary by city/county. For advice on your situation, consult an attorney.

2025 California Real Estate Law Updates Year in Context

CEQA Streamlining & Housing Approvals

Overview of recent streamlining measures affecting infill and transit-oriented projects.

Last Updated: July 2025 New
Key Points:
  • Eligibility often hinges on location (infill/transit priority) and consistency with local plans.
  • Litigation timelines and records preparation may be streamlined for qualifying projects.
  • Always check city/county programmatic EIRs and local objective standards.

Tenant Credit Reporting Programs

How positive rent-payment reporting works and what landlords must disclose.

Last Updated: January 2025 Active
Key Points:
  • Large properties may need to offer opt-in credit reporting for on-time rent.
  • Annual written notice recommended; tenants can opt in/out.
  • Costs should be reasonable and clearly disclosed.

Security Deposits: Documentation & Return

Best practices to reduce disputes and stay compliant with itemization and timelines.

Last Updated: January 2025 Updated
Key Points:
  • Photos/video at move-in & move-out are essential.
  • Itemize deductions (parts/labor) and return balance within statutory timelines.
  • Limitations on “professional cleaning” and ordinary wear and tear.

Landlord–Tenant Law Residential

Rent Caps & Just-Cause Evictions (AB 1482)

Understanding statewide rent caps and when “just cause” is required.

Last Updated: March 2025 Guide
Key Points:
  • Rent cap applies to many units; some are exempt (e.g., newer construction, single-family non-corporate with disclosure).
  • Evictions typically require “at-fault” or “no-fault” just cause and notices with specific content.
  • Local ordinances (LA, SF, Oakland, etc.) may add stricter rules.

Notice Periods & Eviction Timeline

From notice service to lockout — who does what, and when.

Last Updated: May 2025 Current
Essentials:
  • 3-Day Notice to Pay or Quit: CCP §1161(2).
  • 30/60-Day Termination (no-fault, where allowed): Civ. Code §1946.1.
  • Entry: Civ. Code §1954 (typically 24-hour notice, emergencies excepted).

Habitability & Repairs

Minimum housing standards, repair obligations, and remedies.

Last Updated: April 2025 Essential
Key Points:
  • Implied warranty of habitability (Green v. Superior Court).
  • Health & Safety Codes set minimums (heat, water, sanitation).
  • Notice and reasonable time to repair; rent withholding/repair-and-deduct rules are narrow.

Real Estate Transactions Buyers & Sellers

Seller Disclosures: TDS, NHD & More

What must be disclosed in California, when, and how.

Last Updated: April 2025 Essential
Checklist:
  • Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS): Civ. Code §1102 et seq.
  • Natural Hazard Disclosure (NHD): Civ. Code §1103 et seq.
  • Lead-based paint (pre-1978): federal law.
  • HOA docs/CC&Rs for common-interest properties.

Escrow, Title & Contingencies

From offer acceptance to close of escrow — who orders what and when.

Last Updated: March 2025 Current
  • Inspection, appraisal, and loan contingencies — deadlines matter.
  • Title review: easements, liens, CC&Rs, and exceptions.
  • Request for Repair vs. credit; risk allocation via addenda.

Ownership, Construction & Property Issues

Mechanic’s Liens Basics

Deadlines, preliminary notice, recording, and release.

Last Updated: May 2025 Guide
  • Preliminary notice generally within 20 days of first furnishing.
  • Strict recording deadlines after completion/cessation.
  • Bonded stop notice options on certain projects.

Easements, Boundaries & Adverse Possession

Common disputes and how California resolves them.

Last Updated: February 2025 Updated
  • Easements: express, implied, necessity, prescriptive.
  • Adverse possession: 5 years, taxes paid, actual/open/hostile/exclusive/continuous.
  • Quiet title and boundary surveys are often required.

Property Taxes, Transfers & Homestead

Prop 19 base-year transfers, reassessment triggers, and homestead protections.

Last Updated: January 2025 Current
  • Prop 19 allows eligible homeowners to transfer tax base to a replacement home (limits apply).
  • Reassessment often triggered by change in ownership unless an exclusion applies.
  • Homestead exemption (CCP §704.730) protects home equity up to statutory limits, adjusted annually.

Helpful Resources & Agencies

Where to Find Official Forms & Guidance

Courts, city rent boards, and state agencies that publish landlord-tenant and transaction resources.

Last Updated: June 2025 Directory
  • County Superior Courts (unlawful detainer forms & local rules)
  • City Rent Boards (e.g., SF, LA, Oakland)
  • CA Dept. Real Estate & State Controller (tax and transfer references)

Attorney Profile

Pritpal Singh

Pritpal Singh, Esq.

Pritpal Singh is a seasoned real estate attorney with over 15 years of experience in California. He has represented buyers, sellers, developers, and lenders in complex real estate transactions, land use, and environmental matters.

Bar Admissions: California State Bar (2008), US District Court Northern District of California (2010)

Frequently Asked Questions

Click a question to expand. These are educational summaries and not a substitute for legal advice.

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