Being a landlord in California comes with more than collecting rent and maintaining property—it includes strict legal requirements and disclosure laws that must be followed before a tenant even signs a lease. Whether you’re renting out a single-family home or managing multiple units, failing to provide the correct disclosures can result in serious legal consequences.

The last thing you need to impact your business is a preventable lawsuit or penalty. Understanding what you need to disclose upfront helps protect your investments and avoid unnecessary complications.

Health Hazard Disclosures

California landlords must alert tenants to any known health-related hazards tied to the property. For homes built before 1978, landlords must disclose the presence of lead-based paint or lead hazards and provide tenants with the EPA pamphlet “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home.” This includes a legally required lead warning statement and disclosure form before the lease is signed.

Bed bugs are another required disclosure. Before starting a new tenancy, landlords must provide general information about identifying and preventing infestations and encourage tenants to report problems in writing. If bed bugs are suspected or discovered, the unit must be inspected—and if confirmed, cannot be shown or rented until treatment is complete.

For buildings constructed before 1981, landlords are strongly encouraged to notify tenants if asbestos is present or suspected on the property. While this isn’t always a legal requirement, transparency can reduce your liability and help tenants make informed decisions.

If your property falls under Proposition 65 requirements (typically if you have 10 or more employees) you must post warnings about chemicals on-site that may cause cancer or reproductive harm. These signs must be clearly visible to tenants and anyone visiting the property.

Risks to the Property

Certain risks to the property itself must also be shared with prospective tenants. If your rental property was previously used to manufacture methamphetamine and has been deemed contaminated by a local health officer, you must disclose that information and provide tenants with the official order prohibiting occupancy. Until the health officer clears the property, it cannot be rented or occupied.

Properties within one mile of a closed military base where ammunition or explosives were used must also come with a written notice. Even if there’s no current risk, tenants have a right to know the location’s history.

If you’ve applied for a demolition permit, you must inform prospective tenants in writing before collecting fees or signing any lease. The disclosure must include the earliest possible date for demolition and clearly state that the tenancy will end.

Flood hazards are another critical concern. Since 2018, California law requires landlords to disclose if they know the property is located in a flood hazard zone. If your property has this designation, you must alert tenants in writing in any rental agreements signed after July 1, 2018.

Additional Disclosures Required of California Landlords

If your rental unit is part of a condominium conversion project, you must provide a specific notice before signing the lease. This includes informing tenants that the unit may be sold, that they’ll receive a 90-day notice before a sale, and that they may have the first option to buy the unit. If this notice is skipped, you could owe the tenant actual moving costs and one month’s rent—up to $1,100 each.

Landlords must also disclose any deaths that occurred at the property within the last three years, except for those related to AIDS or HIV. Misleading a tenant in response to a direct question about a death can open the door to liability.

Lastly, if your building is under a routine pest control service contract, you must provide the new tenant with a copy of the pesticide notice from the exterminator. If this is missed, the tenant may be entitled to damages and penalties.

Managing the Legal Elements of a Landlord-Tenant Relationship

Making the right disclosures isn’t just about following the rules—it’s about avoiding costly disputes. Hedtke Law Group helps California landlords stay ahead of these legal requirements. Our team gives you the tools to handle disclosures thoroughly and efficiently. Get in touch now to secure the legal solutions that keep your rental properties protected.