Reviewed August 2026 · California
Rental Fees and Charges in California
California has moved steadily against surprise rental charges: mandatory fees must now be disclosed upfront in advertising and in the lease, and non-refundable fees remain prohibited.
At a glance
- Non-refundable fees
- Not allowed
- Mandatory fee disclosure
- Upfront, since 2026
- Internet/phone bundling
- Tenant may opt out
- Screening fee
- Capped, CPI-adjusted
- Late fee
- Must be a reasonable estimate
Mandatory fees must be shown upfront
California's move against hidden pricing reached rental housing. Charges that a tenant must pay to rent the unit have to be disclosed in the advertised price and in the lease — not revealed at signing. That includes pass-throughs like trash, water, sewer, and any recurring "administrative" or "amenity" charge that is not genuinely optional.
The practical test is simple: if a tenant cannot decline it, it is part of the rent and it has to be advertised as part of the rent.
The internet and service opt-out (2026)
For leases entered into, renewed, or continuing on or after January 1, 2026, a landlord must allow the tenant to opt out of paying for third-party internet, phone, or satellite service as a condition of the tenancy. Bundled-services arrangements that were mandatory now have to be made optional.
Charges that are never allowed
- Non-refundable deposits or cleaning fees of any kind.
- Any charge that pushes the total security held above the deposit cap.
- Pet rent or a pet deposit for a service animal or ESA.
- A late fee that is a penalty rather than a reasonable estimate of actual loss.
- A screening fee above the statutory cap, or one charged when no unit is available.
- Charging a tenant for repairs that are the landlord's habitability obligation.
Common questions
Can a California landlord charge a non-refundable cleaning fee?
No. Non-refundable deposits and cleaning fees are prohibited in residential tenancies. Cleaning may be deducted from the refundable deposit at move-out, with an itemized statement and photographs.
Do landlords have to disclose fees in the advertised rent?
Yes for mandatory charges. Fees a tenant cannot decline — trash, water, sewer pass-throughs, required administrative or amenity charges — must be disclosed upfront in advertising and in the lease.
Can a landlord require tenants to buy the building's internet package?
Not for leases entered into, renewed, or continuing on or after January 1, 2026. Tenants must be allowed to opt out of paying for third-party internet, phone, or satellite service as a condition of the tenancy.
Sources
This is general information, not legal advice. California law changes every year and local ordinances often go further than state law. Check your city and county rules, and talk to a California attorney before acting on anything here.