Complete Compliance Checklist for 2025
California requires landlords to disclose specific information about rental properties before tenants move in. These disclosure requirements protect tenants' right to know about potential hazards, property conditions, and legal obligations.
Warning: Failure to comply can result in fines, lease termination, and lawsuits.
Note: For Placer County landlords, disclosure compliance is non-negotiable. Whether you own a single-family rental in Roseville or multiple units in Rocklin, these requirements apply. This guide covers all mandatory California landlord disclosures for 2025.
Federal law requires landlords to disclose known lead-based paint hazards for all residential properties built before 1978. This is the most strictly enforced disclosure, with penalties up to $16,000 for violations.
Use the federally mandated "Disclosure of Information on Lead-Based Paint and/or Lead-Based Paint Hazards" form. Provide the EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home." Both landlord and tenant must sign the disclosure. Keep signed copies for at least three years.
California law requires landlords to notify tenants about the existence of the Megan's Law database, which lists registered sex offenders. The notice doesn't disclose specific offenders—it simply informs tenants that the database exists and how to access it.
Include this notice in the lease or as a separate disclosure: "Notice: Pursuant to Section 290.46 of the Penal Code, information about specified registered sex offenders is made available to the public via an Internet Web site maintained by the Department of Justice at www.meganslaw.ca.gov. Depending on an offender's criminal history, this information will include either the address at which the offender resides or the community of residence and ZIP Code in which he or she resides."
California Health and Safety Code Section 26147 requires landlords to provide mold information to tenants. While you don't need to test for mold, you must provide the booklet "Residential Environmental Hazards: A Guide for Homeowners, Homebuyers, Landlords and Tenants" published by the California Department of Public Health.
Disclose any known mold issues in the property. If previous tenants experienced mold problems, inform new tenants. Landlords must maintain properties to prevent mold growth by addressing moisture and ventilation issues.
California law requires landlords to provide tenants with information about bed bug identification, behavior, and treatment. Use the "Bed Bugs: Information for Tenants" notice published by the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
If the unit had a bed bug infestation in the previous two years, disclose this fact to prospective tenants before they sign the lease.
If the property is located in a special flood hazard area or dam failure inundation area, landlords must disclose this to tenants. Additionally, if the property is in a wildfire hazard zone, earthquake fault zone, or seismic hazard zone, disclosure is required.
Placer County properties near the American River, in foothill areas prone to wildfires, or near dams may trigger these disclosure requirements. Check with local planning departments or review Natural Hazard Disclosure reports for your property.
If you plan to demolish the rental property within one year, California law requires written disclosure to prospective tenants before they sign the lease or rental agreement. This prevents tenants from unknowingly entering short-term leases.
If the property has been issued a notice of violation or abatement order by local authorities (for example, code violations, unsafe conditions, or failure to meet habitability standards), you must disclose this in writing to prospective tenants.
If you have a contract with a licensed pest control company to periodically inspect or treat the property, provide tenants with the pest control company's name, address, and phone number. If pesticide treatments are performed, tenants must receive advance notice.
California Civil Code Section 1947.5 requires landlords to disclose the property's smoking policy. Specify whether smoking is prohibited entirely, allowed only in designated areas, or permitted throughout the property. This disclosure must be included in the lease or rental agreement.
If utilities are shared among multiple units or if the tenant will be responsible for another tenant's utilities, this must be disclosed in writing. The disclosure should explain the arrangement, how costs are divided, and billing procedures.
While emergency COVID protections have largely expired, landlords should be aware of any ongoing state or local rental assistance programs and provide information to tenants who may be eligible, particularly if nonpayment issues arise.
If the property is located within one mile of a military base, you must disclose this fact. The disclosure should note that military activities may include noise, vibrations, and other impacts.
California law requires disclosure if someone died in the property within the last three years. This applies regardless of the cause of death—natural causes, accidents, homicides, and suicides must all be disclosed. After three years, disclosure is not required (though it may still be advisable in certain circumstances).
If the property is currently listed for sale or you intend to sell it during the lease term, disclose this to prospective tenants. While not explicitly required by statute, this is a good-faith disclosure that prevents tenant surprise and disputes.
For properties built before 1980, asbestos may be present in insulation, flooring, roofing, and other materials. If you're aware of asbestos-containing materials in the property, disclose this to tenants. If asbestos abatement or testing has occurred, provide documentation.
If the rental property is governed by a homeowners association, condo association, or similar entity, provide tenants with copies of the CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions) and HOA rules. Tenants must comply with these rules, so they have a right to review them before signing the lease.
California law requires landlords to ensure rental properties have water-conserving plumbing fixtures (low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads). While not always required as a formal written disclosure, landlords should inform tenants about water conservation measures and any restrictions on water use, particularly in drought conditions.
Beyond legally mandated disclosures, consider proactively disclosing information that might affect a tenant's decision to rent:
Most disclosures must be provided before the tenant signs the lease or rental agreement. Some disclosures (like lead paint) have specific timing and delivery requirements under federal law.
Warning: Penalties vary by disclosure type, but consequences can be severe.
Key Takeaway: The cost of non-compliance far exceeds the minimal effort required to provide proper disclosures
Use this checklist before each new tenancy:
California's extensive disclosure requirements reflect a policy priority: informed tenants make better decisions and experience fewer disputes. While the list may seem overwhelming, systematically providing all required disclosures protects both you and your tenants.
For Placer County landlords in Roseville, Rocklin, Auburn, and surrounding areas, Lifetime Property Management handles all mandatory disclosures as part of our tenant placement and lease administration services. We stay current on legal requirements, prepare compliant disclosure packages, and maintain proper documentation to protect your investment.
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