Can a landlord renovate your rental while you’re still living there? What California law says

When it comes to renting in California, there are several state laws that tenants — and landlords — should know.

What does California law say about landlords making renovations to your rental home while you’re still living there?

Here’s what our journalists with How To California — a community-driven series to help readers navigate life in the Golden State — found:

Can a landlord remodel your California rental while you’re living there?

Landlords can make renovations to your rental property even while you are living there, according to the California Department of Justice.

However, property owners or managers can only evict tenants for a “substantial remodel,” the agency said.

When can tenants get evicted for renovations?

A “substantial remodel” involves significant structural, electrical, plumbing work or hazardous material removal that requires a permit and at least 30 days for tenants to vacate.

“Cosmetic renovations do not count,” the state justice department said.

Cosmetic renovations involve minor updates or repairs, such as refreshing cabinets, counters, floors or paint, according to Tenant Sanctuary, a tenant rights education service based in Santa Cruz.

When evicting a tenant for a “substantial remodel,” Senate Bill 567 — which took effect April 1 — says landlords must provide eviction notices with detailed information about the planned work, including the necessary permits, and state that if the remodel isn’t completed, tenants have the right to re-rent the unit under the same terms and conditions.

Can a property owner enter your home to make repairs?

California law says that a landlord can only enter your rental home for specified reasons.

According to the California Tenants Guide, a landlord or their agent should give you an advanced written notice that states the date, time and purpose of the entry before entering the unit.

Your landlord can only enter during normal business hours. This is generally defined as 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. any day of the week.

Valid reasons for entry include the following:

• During an emergency
• To make agreed-upon repairs, improvements and services or show the unit to a prospective tenant or buyer
• When the tenant has abandoned the unit
• If a court order permits the landlord to enter
• To inspect for the purpose of water conservation and fixing water systems
• To inspect an outdoor elevated area such as a balcony

Written notice is not required in the following situations:

• To respond to an emergency
• If the tenant has moved out or abandoned the unit
• If the tenant is present during the time of entry and gives consent
• The tenant and landlord both verbally agreed to the repairs or services, and gave the landlord permission to enter including the date and approximate time of entry

READ MORE:

• Can a landlord enter your apartment or raise rent without notice in California?

This story was originally published July 29, 2024 at 7:00 AM with the headline "Can a landlord renovate your rental while you’re still living there? What California law says."

Angela Rodriguez

The Modesto Bee

279-386-2738

Angela Rodriguez is a service journalism reporter for The Bee. She is a graduate of Sacramento State with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. During her time there, she worked on the State Hornet covering arts and entertainment.