The regulatory landscape is shifting—here’s what property owners need to know.
California property owners face an unprecedented wave of new regulations taking effect in 2024 and 2025. These sweeping changes don’t just add paperwork—they fundamentally transform how rental properties must be managed, creating compliance challenges that can expose owners to significant financial and legal risks.
The New Reality: Six Major Law Changes You Can’t Ignore
Senate Bill 721: Mandatory Balcony Structural Safety Inspections
Multi-unit property owners (3+ units) must now conduct comprehensive inspections of all elevated elements. Balconies, decks, and stairways at least six feet above ground and constructed of wood are to be inspected. The deadline is January 1, 2026, with re-inspections required every six years thereafter. This isn’t optional; it’s mandatory with significant liability implications.
Assembly Bill 2801: Photo Documentation Requirements
Starting April 1, 2025, landlords must photograph properties at move-in, move-out, and post-repair stages. For new tenancies beginning July 1, 2025, move-in photos become mandatory. Every security deposit deduction must now be accompanied by photographic evidence—turning what was once a simple process into a detailed documentation requirement.
Assembly Bill 2493: Application Fee Overhaul
This law completely restructures how application fees work. Property owners must now choose between:
- A first-come, first-served screening process with written criteria, OR
- Full refunds to non-selected applicants within seven days
Additionally, credit reports must be provided to all fee-paying applicants—not just those who request them.
Senate Bill 1051: Enhanced Lock Change Obligations
Property owners must now cover the full cost of changing locks within 24 hours for victims of abuse, with protections extended to immediate family members. The law also prohibits adverse actions against prospective tenants based on prior lock-change requests, adding another layer to screening processes.
Assembly Bill 2747: Credit Reporting Duties
Non-exempt landlords must offer positive rental payment reporting to credit agencies, with specific timing requirements for existing and new leases. This creates ongoing administrative duties and potential monthly charges of up to $10 per tenant.
Senate Bill 611: Fee Prohibitions
Gone are the days of charging fees for serving termination notices or accepting rent checks. These previously common revenue sources are now prohibited, while service obligations remain unchanged.
The Ripple Effect: Compliance Complexity Multiplies
These laws don’t exist in isolation—they create an interconnected web of requirements:
- Documentation Demands: Photo obligations, written notices, screening criteria, annual reporting
- Timeline Pressures: Compliance windows ranging from 24 hours to yearly requirements
- Cost Absorption: Previously recoverable expenses must now be absorbed by property owners
- Liability Expansion: New penalties and damage provisions increase financial risk
Beyond Residential: Commercial Properties Join the Mix
Senate Bill 1103 extends residential-style protections to small commercial tenants, including 30, 60, 90-day notice requirements and translated lease obligations. The regulatory complexity is no longer limited to residential properties.
Local Jurisdictions Amplify Requirements
Sonoma County Ordinance 6496 demonstrates how local governments are building upon state requirements, removing exemptions from the California Tenant Protection Act and creating additional compliance layers that vary by location. What’s compliant in one county may not be sufficient in another.
The Professional Management Advantage
Managing rental properties in California has evolved from basic maintenance and rent collection to sophisticated legal compliance operations. Property owners now need:
- Legal expertise across multiple, frequently changing statutes
- Documentation systems that ensure proper photo requirements and timeline compliance
- Process management that handles everything from 24-hour lock changes to annual credit reporting offers
- Local compliance knowledge that varies by jurisdiction
At PURE Property Management, we’ve built our operations around exactly these types of challenges. Our teams receive ongoing training on regulatory changes, our systems handle complex documentation requirements, and our legal support ensures compliance across all jurisdictions where we operate.
The Bottom Line
California’s 2024-2025 rental law changes represent more than new requirements—they signal a fundamental shift toward highly regulated property management. For property owners trying to navigate this landscape alone, the risks of non-compliance have never been higher.
The question isn’t whether these laws will affect your properties—it’s whether you have the systems, expertise, and resources to manage them effectively while protecting your investment.
Looking for expert property management that handles compliance so you don’t have to? PURE Property Management specializes in navigating California’s complex regulatory environment. Contact us to learn how we protect your investment while maximizing your returns.
Looking for expert property management that handles compliance so you don’t have to? PURE Property Management specializes in navigating California’s complex regulatory environment. Contact us to learn how we protect your investment while maximizing your returns.
David Carlson
North Bay Office
Operations Manager, CA DRE #01992148
(707) 524-8380 x5113
