Updated 05/29/25
California landlords have long faced evolving rental laws, and 2025 is no exception. Among the most talked-about laws this year is SB611, a statute aimed at eliminating certain tenant fees deemed unnecessary or predatory. Whether you’re a seasoned property manager or new to rental ownership, understanding the details of SB611 California tenant fees is essential to staying compliant and avoiding legal trouble.
SB611 was designed to ban “junk fees” in the rental housing space, especially those related to notices and check processing. In addition, it imposes new restrictions on security deposit rules for military tenants, reinforcing California’s ongoing push to protect renters while challenging landlords to revise their practices. These new laws may feel overwhelming, but with the right information and a proactive approach, landlords can adapt smoothly and continue operating successful rental businesses in 2025 and beyond.
Too Long Didn’t Read (TL;DR):
SB611 is a new California law banning tenant junk fees like notice delivery charges and check payment processing fees. It also adds protections for military tenants against inflated security deposits. Landlords must comply by April 1, 2025, or face penalties. This article breaks down the changes, timelines, compliance tips, and how SB611 fits with other new California landlord laws in 2025.
Table of Contents
- What Is SB611 and Why Does It Matter for Landlords?
- Breakdown of Junk Fees Banned Under SB611
- How SB611 Affects Security Deposits for Military Tenants
- How SB611 Works with Other Tenant Protection Laws
- Timeline: When Does SB611 Take Effect?
- Risks for Landlords Who Don’t Comply
- Tips to Adjust Your Lease Agreements and Practices
- Frequently Asked Questions About SB611
- What Other 2025 Laws Landlords Must Know
- Should You Hire a Property Manager to Stay Compliant?
What Is SB611 and Why Does It Matter for Landlords?
Senate Bill 611, or SB611, targets specific rental charges that have long been labeled as “junk fees.” These include extra charges for delivering notices or accepting rent via check. Lawmakers argue these fees disproportionately impact tenants and make affordable housing harder to maintain. For landlords, this means reevaluating existing fee structures and making adjustments ahead of the April 2025 implementation deadline.
While the California Tenant Protection Act of 2019 focused on rent caps and eviction protections, SB611 narrows in on minor fees that, when added up, create financial stress for renters. Though small in appearance, these changes have big implications, especially for landlords managing multiple units. Ignoring the details of SB 611 California tenant fees could lead to fines and tenant disputes.
Breakdown of Junk Fees Banned Under SB611
One of the central tenets of SB611 is its ban on fees for delivering notices. In the past, landlords often charged tenants for posting or serving rent demand notices, eviction warnings, or lease violation letters. As of April 1, 2025, that practice is illegal. You cannot charge a tenant for any written notice—no exceptions.
Another fee now prohibited is the check payment processing fee. Though many landlords have shifted to digital rent payments, some still charge tenants for paying with checks, citing bank processing or handling time. SB611 removes this as a legal option. However, it’s still legal to charge a convenience fee for credit card payments.
By eliminating these junk fees rental California landlords commonly used, the law pushes for more transparency in what tenants are actually paying for.
How SB611 Affects Security Deposits for Military Tenants
SB611 also addresses a lesser-known but critical issue: inflated security deposit rules for military tenants. Historically, some landlords charged service members higher security deposits due to perceived risk—such as early lease termination due to deployment. This practice is now limited.
Under SB611, landlords must disclose in writing if the deposit exceeds the advertised or standard amount for military tenants. Moreover, they must return the excess portion within six months of the lease start date, provided the tenant is current on rent.
This measure builds on AB 12, which already limits residential security deposits to one month’s rent in most cases. While there are exceptions, landlords should review both SB611 and AB12 in tandem to ensure full compliance.
How SB611 Works with Other Tenant Protection Laws
SB611 California explained in isolation might seem straightforward, but its true complexity lies in how it overlaps with other recent laws. AB12 reformed security deposit standards broadly. AB2747 introduces new rent reporting requirements. SB611 is one piece of a larger puzzle where California landlord compliance 2025 becomes more layered.
Together, these laws reflect the state’s growing focus on renter protections. If you were already complying with AB 1482’s rent cap laws and adjusting to COVID-era protections, SB611 is another shift you need to incorporate. Reviewing your lease documents and updating fee structures are not optional—they’re essential steps in staying on the right side of the law.
Timeline: When Does SB611 Take Effect?
SB611 will be fully enforceable beginning April 1, 2025. This gives landlords several months to adapt, revise their lease terms, and eliminate prohibited charges.
Don’t wait until the last minute. Review your rental agreements now. Remove any outdated clauses about notice delivery fees or check processing fees, and ensure you understand the implications of charging military tenants above-average security deposits. If you plan to implement changes across multiple properties, start with one and scale from there.
Risks for Landlords Who Don’t Comply
Failing to comply with SB611 isn’t just a technical oversight—it could open you up to legal complaints, tenant lawsuits, and fines. If a tenant discovers they were charged a prohibited fee or overcharged on a security deposit, they could take legal action or report the issue to local housing authorities.
Tenant advocacy groups are more active than ever. Platforms like social media and local tenant unions make it easy for tenants to share information about their rights. That means non-compliant landlords are likely to be reported, even if the tenant doesn’t initially object. Avoiding this starts with understanding and fully implementing the law.
Tips to Adjust Your Lease Agreements and Practices
Start by reviewing all lease templates and existing tenant agreements. If your documents include a clause about service notice fees or check payment charges, remove it immediately. Next, communicate changes with your tenants in writing, so there are no surprises.
For military tenants, have your leasing agent or property manager identify who qualifies and ensure the military tenant security deposit law terms are met. Create internal tracking systems to refund the excess deposit within six months, as required.
It’s also a good time to consider switching fully to online rent collection, which simplifies compliance. The fewer exceptions or outdated practices you use, the easier it will be to stay compliant long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions About SB611
Is it legal to charge a tenant for serving a 3-day notice under SB611?
No. Any fee for serving or posting a notice is banned under SB611.
Can I still charge a credit card convenience fee?
Yes. SB611 does not ban credit card processing fees. Only check-related payment fees are prohibited.
Does the security deposit rule apply to all tenants?
No. The specific clause about refunding excess deposits applies only to military tenants.
What if I already charged fees before April 1, 2025?
Fees charged before that date are not retroactively affected. But starting April 1, they are illegal.
What Other 2025 Laws Landlords Must Know
In addition to SB611, there are several new California landlord laws 2025 worth noting. AB2347 extends tenant response time to eviction notices. AB2801 creates stricter documentation rules for security deposit deductions. AB2747 introduces credit reporting options for tenants, placing responsibility on landlords to handle the process.
While SB611 targets tenant fee restrictions California, these other laws focus on broader lease administration, eviction protocols, and transparency. Collectively, they raise the bar for what landlords must do to maintain legal and ethical rentals. Keeping up requires continuous learning and administrative updates.
Should You Hire a Property Manager to Stay Compliant?
With overlapping laws and constantly changing requirements, many landlords are turning to professional property managers. These experts stay up to date with California property management laws 2025, so you don’t have to.
A qualified property manager can revise your lease agreements, eliminate outdated fees, and maintain compliance with SB611 California tenant fees and similar laws. Besides legal compliance, they help protect your business reputation and simplify the day-to-day operations of rental management.
For many landlords, especially those with multiple units or limited time, hiring a property manager is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.