Starting April 1, 2025, new regulations in California will prohibit landlords from charging tenants specific fees, following the implementation of Senate Bill 611 (SB 611). These changes aim to make renting fairer and more transparent by eliminating unnecessary costs for tenants.
Key Fees Landlords Can No Longer Charge
Under SB 611, landlords and property managers in California will no longer be allowed to impose fees for:
- Processing Fees – Charges related to handling payments, such as check processing fees or convenience fees for rent payments, will no longer be permitted.
- Pet Ownership Fees – While landlords may still require a refundable pet security deposit, they cannot charge a separate fee simply for allowing pets.
- Parking Fees – If parking is included in the lease agreement, landlords cannot charge an additional fee for a parking space.
- Service of Notices – Landlords will no longer be able to charge tenants for serving legal notices, such as late rent or eviction notices.
Restrictions on Late Fees
The bill also caps late rent payment fees at 2% of the monthly rent amount and establishes a mandatory 7-day grace period before any late fees can be applied.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
If a landlord illegally collects any of the newly prohibited fees, they may be required to refund the tenant and pay interest on the amount collected.
Why This Matters
These new regulations provide stronger financial protections for renters by preventing landlords from imposing unnecessary charges. Tenants should review their lease agreements and be aware of these changes to ensure compliance from property owners.
For more details on these new landlord fee restrictions, visit KTLA’s original report.
Let Aragone & Associates guide you through the process, helping to make the transition seamless. Call us at 949-415-4784 or email us at [email protected].
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Disclaimer: We are not real estate attorneys, and the information provided should not be considered legal advice. We strongly recommend consulting with qualified legal counsel regarding your specific situation. If you do not currently have legal representation, feel free to reach out to us, and we can connect you with one of our trusted attorneys.