Starting July 1, 2025, California landlords—including those managing Los Angeles apartment buildings—must comply with new rules under Assembly Bill 2801 (AB 2801). This law adds stricter requirements for documenting and deducting from tenant security deposits, aiming to reduce disputes and improve transparency across the Los Angeles rental market.
Under AB 2801, landlords must take date-stamped photos of each rental unit at move-in and move-out. If you plan to deduct from a tenant’s deposit, these photos must be included with your itemized deduction statement.
Carpet cleaning charges can only be applied if there's damage beyond normal wear and tear. Landlords in Los Angeles must now maintain detailed documentation of a property's condition. Experts recommend using your smartphone to capture clear images of appliances, floors, walls, and fixtures—and keeping those records for at least three years.
For Los Angeles multifamily property owners, this law requires a consistent, trackable system for move-in and move-out documentation. Simply listing damages is no longer enough—proof is essential to defend against tenant disputes and legal action.
Failing to comply with AB 2801 could expose landlords to unnecessary financial and legal risk. With tenant protections expanding in LA, landlords need to stay ahead of the curve to protect their investments.
Want to get up to speed on AB 2801 and avoid costly mistakes? Read more info below:
