Rental application california rules give you more protection than most renters realize. When you apply for a home, the landlord can charge a screening fee, but only up to a cap set by state law. Under the rental application california law, Civil Code Section 1950.6, the landlord must also give you a receipt, show you your credit report, and refund money they don’t use. This guide shows you how to write a short letter asking for your receipt, your report, or your refund.
When and Why to Use a Rental Application California Letter
A rental application california letter is useful whenever the fee process went wrong. For example, the landlord may have charged $100 per person. Or they took your money when no unit was actually available. In most cases, a clear letter fixes the problem without going to court.
The law changed on January 1, 2025, when AB 2493 took effect. Landlords may now charge a fee only if they do one of two things. They can review applications in the order received and pick the first qualified applicant. Or they can refund the fee to applicants they don’t pick. As a result, many applicants who were turned down may be owed money back.
Your rental application california rights also cover the screening itself. The landlord cannot charge more than their actual out-of-pocket costs, even if that is below the cap. If they never ran your screening, they must return the fee. Typically, a written request is the first step before small claims court.
What to Include in Your Rental Application California Request (and What to Leave Out)
Keep your letter short and factual. Include your name, the property address, and the date you applied. List the amount you paid and how you paid it. Then say exactly what you want: a receipt, your credit report, a refund, or all three. Mention Civil Code Section 1950.6 so the landlord knows you understand the rental application california rules.
However, leave out insults, threats, and long stories. Don’t guess at the landlord’s motives. Stick to dates, dollar amounts, and what the law requires. A calm letter reads better if a small claims judge ever sees it.
Fee rules differ a lot from state to state. Here is how the rental application california cap compares to a few other states:
| State | Application fee limit | Law |
|---|---|---|
| California | About $65.86 per applicant in 2026 (adjusted yearly), and no more than actual cost | Civil Code § 1950.6 |
| New York | $20 or the actual cost of the check, whichever is less | Real Property Law § 238-a |
| Massachusetts | $0 (landlords may not charge application fees) | M.G.L. c. 186 § 15B |
| Delaware | The greater of 10% of monthly rent or $50 | 25 Del. C. § 5514 |
Sample Template You Can Adapt
Use this sample as a starting point for your rental application california request. Fill in the brackets and delete anything that doesn’t fit your situation.
Sample template – adapt to your state and your situation. This is an informational sample, not legal advice.
[Your Name]
[Your Mailing Address]
[Your Phone or Email]
[Date]
[Landlord or Property Manager Name]
[Landlord Address]
Re: Application screening fee for [Property Address], applied on [Date You Applied]
Dear [Landlord Name],
On [Date You Applied], I paid an application screening fee of $[Amount Paid] by [payment method] for the rental unit at [Property Address].
Under California Civil Code Section 1950.6, I am requesting the following:
1. An itemized receipt showing your actual out-of-pocket costs for screening me.
2. A copy of any consumer credit report you obtained about me.
3. A refund of $[Refund Amount] because [choose one: no screening was performed / the fee exceeded the legal cap or your actual costs / I was not selected and you did not use first-come, first-qualified processing / no unit was available].
Please send the refund and documents to the address above within [number] days of this letter. You may send payment by [check / electronic payment method].
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Thank you for your prompt attention.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
How to Send It So It Counts
Send your letter by certified mail with return receipt requested. The green card or online tracking proves the landlord got it. If you applied online, you can also email a copy. However, certified mail gives you the strongest proof for any rental application california dispute.
Keep a full copy of your letter. Also save your payment receipt, bank statement, emails, and any listing screenshots. For example, a screenshot showing the unit was already rented can prove no unit was available. As a result, you will have everything ready if you need small claims court.
If the landlord ignores you, you may be able to file in California small claims court. The limit for individuals is $12,500, so a fee dispute fits easily. Check with your court’s self-help center or a local legal-aid office before you file. If you are also facing an eviction or losing housing, contact legal aid or a tenant attorney right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum fee under rental application california law in 2026?
The 2026 cap is about $65.86 per applicant. It started at $30 in 1997 and rises each year with the Consumer Price Index. However, the landlord also cannot charge more than their actual screening costs.
Can a landlord keep my fee if they pick someone else?
In most cases, only if they reviewed applications in the order received and chose the first qualified applicant. Otherwise, rental application california law says they must refund applicants they don’t select. Ask for a written explanation if you aren’t sure which method they used.
Can I get a copy of my credit report from the landlord?
Yes. Under rental application california law, you can ask for a copy of any consumer credit report the landlord pulled. If you find errors, you can dispute them with the credit bureau and give the landlord proof.
Protect your stuff while you sort this out
A landlord’s insurance does not cover your belongings — renters insurance does, often for a few dollars a month. Compare options before your next move.
Find Your State’s Exact Rules
Notice periods, deposit caps, and the eviction timeline all change from state to state. Pick your state to see the exact days, dollar limits, and steps that apply where you live.
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Sources & How to Verify
The rules on this page are drawn from official government and legal-aid sources. Tenant law changes, so always confirm the exact rule with your state’s statute or a local legal-aid office.
- HUD: hud.gov — federal renter protections and fair housing
- Legal Services Corporation: lsc.gov — find free legal aid in your state
- Cornell Legal Information Institute: law.cornell.edu/wex — plain-English legal definitions
- Your state statute & court self-help portal: search “[your state] landlord tenant act” and “[your state] court self-help eviction” for the exact law and forms
Content last reviewed September 2026. If you notice outdated information, please contact us.
California Renter Guides
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- California Security Deposit Law
- California Rent Increase Laws
- California Repairs and Habitability
- Breaking a Lease in California
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Informational only — not legal advice. Tenant Rights Info is an independent educational resource, not a law firm, and this page does not provide legal advice. Landlord-tenant law varies by state and city and changes over time, so always verify the exact rule with your state’s statute, your local court’s self-help portal, or a legal-aid office. For urgent situations like an active eviction, contact a local legal-aid office or a licensed tenant attorney in your state right away.