California’s SB 611 is introducing new regulations for landlords, including restrictions on fees, new tenant protections, and mandatory disclosures. These changes aim to prevent unfair charges and ensure tenants have clear, upfront information about rental costs.
Managing rental properties in California means keeping up with legal updates like SB 611. If you’re a landlord looking for an Irvine property manager, Anaheim property manager, or Huntington Beach property manager, our team ensures you stay compliant and stress-free. We specialize in helping rental owners navigate complex laws while maximizing their investments. If you’re unsure how SB 611 affects your rental operations or need assistance updating your policies, give us a call at (949) 892-1505. At Good Life Property Management, we’re here to help you stay compliant and protect your investment. Contact us today to learn how we can support your rental business.
Key Takeaways
- You can’t charge tenants for Pay or Quit Notices, Termination Notices, or any other legal notice.
- Tenants paying rent with a personal check can’t be charged extra fees.
- Extra deposits must be justified in writing and refunded after six months of on-time rent.
- Mandatory fees, deposits, and charges must be included in the advertised rental price.
Table of Contents
- What Landlords Need to Know About SB 611
- No More Fees for Serving Legal Notices
- No Fees for Personal Check Payments
- Security Deposit Rules for Military Service Members
- Mandatory Disclosure of Rental Costs
- Expanded Protections for Small Commercial Tenants
- Immediate Steps for Compliance
- FAQs About SB 611 for Landlords
What Landlords Need to Know About SB 611
SB 611 is one of California’s latest efforts to increase transparency and fairness in the rental market. By eliminating unnecessary fees and requiring upfront disclosure of rental costs, the bill aims to make renting more predictable for tenants while ensuring landlords operate within clear legal guidelines. While these changes may seem minor, non-compliance could result in tenant disputes, legal action, and financial penalties.
For landlords, SB 611 means updating lease agreements, adjusting fee structures, and ensuring that all advertisements include complete pricing details. Whether you manage a single rental property or multiple units, preparing now will save you from potential headaches in the future. Let’s dive into what’s changing.
No More Fees for Serving Legal Notices
Under SB 611, landlords can no longer charge tenants fees for delivering legal notices such as:
- Pay or Quit Notices
- Notice to Quit
- 60-Day Termination Notices
Previously, some landlords charged administrative fees for processing and serving these notices. With SB 611, those fees are now illegal.
What to do: Remove any mention of administrative or processing fees related to serving legal notices from your lease agreements and policies.
No Fees for Personal Check Payments
Landlords cannot charge tenants extra fees for paying rent with a personal check. Civil Code § 1947.3 requires landlords to provide at least one payment method other than cash or electronic transfer without additional charges.
While some landlords have moved toward digital payment systems, many tenants—especially older renters—still prefer to pay by check. This law prevents landlords from adding unnecessary financial barriers to tenants who use traditional payment methods.
What to do: If you currently charge a fee for check payments, remove it from your lease agreements and inform tenants of the updated policy.
Security Deposit Rules for Military Service Members
SB 611 introduces new protections for military tenants who are “conditionally approved” based on credit history or other factors. If you require an extra security deposit, you must:
- Provide a written explanation of the deposit amount and reason before the lease is signed.
- Refund the extra deposit after six months if the tenant pays rent on time and has not caused damage.
This provision is meant to prevent excessive deposit charges for service members who may not have extensive rental histories but are otherwise responsible tenants.
What to do: Update your lease templates to include this new requirement if you rent to military tenants.
Mandatory Disclosure of Rental Costs
Starting July 2025, landlords must include all mandatory fees, deposits, and charges in the advertised rental price. If you charge for optional services or amenities, those costs must be clearly disclosed as well.
This means no more hidden fees or unexpected costs after a tenant expresses interest in a property. Renters must be able to see the total cost of renting upfront, reducing the likelihood of disputes or complaints.
What to do: Update your rental listings to comply with SB 611’s disclosure requirements. Double-check that all advertised rental prices include the total cost of mandatory fees.
For more tips on creating compliant rental listings, check out Good Life’s guide to listing rental properties.
Expanded Protections for Small Commercial Tenants
In addition to residential rental changes, SB 611 extends protections to small commercial tenants by adjusting security deposit return timelines.
- Extended Deposit Return Timelines: Landlords must return security deposits to qualifying small business tenants within a reasonable timeframe, ensuring they aren’t financially strained during transitions.
- Stronger Protections Against Unjustified Deductions: Similar to residential leases, commercial landlords must document and justify any deductions from the security deposit.
What to do: If you rent commercial properties, review your lease terms and ensure your deposit return policies align with the new requirements.
Immediate Steps for Compliance
- Review and update your leases to remove prohibited fees and add required disclosures.
- Train your team on SB 611’s new rules to ensure compliance.
- Communicate with tenants about any policy changes resulting from SB 611.
- Update rental advertisements to reflect the full cost of renting your property.
Taking action now will help ensure you’re fully compliant by the time SB 611 is enforced.
We’re Here to Help You Stay Compliant With SB 611
SB 611 is changing the way California landlords manage rental fees and lease disclosures. If you need help updating your leases, advertising practices, or security deposit policies, our team is here to assist. If you own rental property and need a Fullerton property manager, Costa Mesa property manager, or Newport Beach property manager, we provide expert guidance and hassle-free property management. We serve landlords across Orange County, ensuring your rentals remain compliant and profitable. Schedule a call with our team today to navigate these changes and safeguard your investment!
FAQs About SB 611 for Landlords
When does SB 611 take effect?
SB 611 is effective July 2025, so landlords should update their leases and policies now to ensure compliance.
Can I still charge a fee for electronic payments?
SB 611 specifically bans fees for personal check payments. Charging convenience fees for electronic payments isn’t directly addressed, but it’s best to review applicable laws before doing so.
How should I handle lease agreements that include prohibited fees?
If your existing lease agreements contain illegal fees, you should amend them before the law takes effect and notify tenants of the changes.
How does SB 611 impact small commercial landlords?
SB 611 requires landlords renting to small businesses to return security deposits within a reasonable timeframe and properly document any deductions.
What happens if I don’t comply with SB 611?
Failure to comply with SB 611 can lead to tenant disputes, potential fines, and legal challenges. It’s best to update your policies before enforcement begins.
Steve Welty
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