SB 611 Summary

• Prohibits landlords from charging tenants fees for serving, posting, or delivering notices to terminate tenancy under Sections 1946, 1946.1, and 1161 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

• Prohibits landlords from charging tenants fees for paying rent or security deposits by check, while maintaining existing requirements that landlords accept at least one non-cash, non-electronic payment method.

• Requires landlords to provide service members with written notice on or before lease signing if charging higher-than-standard security deposits, with the additional amount refundable after 6 months of residency without rent arrears (effective April 1, 2025).

• Allows small landlords (natural persons or LLCs owning no more than 4 units) to charge up to 2 months' rent in security, except when the tenant is a service member, who may only be charged 1 month's rent.

• Adds photography requirements for security deposit documentation, effective July 1, 2025 for new tenancies and April 1, 2025 for move-out inspections.