📸 California Now Requires Landlords to Take Move-Out Photos — What You Need to Know About AB 2801
If you own or manage rental properties in the San Fernando Valley, Eastern Ventura County, or the Greater Los Angeles Region, a new California law directly impacts how you handle tenant transitions. As of April 1, 2025, Assembly Bill 2801 (AB 2801) requires landlords to take photographs of rental units at key stages of tenancy, starting with move-out.
This new regulation boosts transparency, helps prevent disputes, and protects landlords and tenants—especially regarding security deposit deductions.
📅 Important Dates to Remember
April 1, 2025 – Document the Move-Out Condition
You must take clear, timestamped photos of the unit after the tenant vacates before you complete any cleaning or repairs. This ensures that you capture the actual condition of the property.
July 1, 2025 – Photograph Before a New Tenant Moves In
Landlords must photograph the rental unit immediately before move-in for any new tenancy beginning on or after July 1.
After Repairs or Cleaning – Show What Was Done
If you plan to deduct funds from the security deposit for repairs or cleaning, you must take “after” photos to show what work was performed.
🧾 What AB 2801 Means for You
This law places new, non-negotiable responsibilities on landlords. You must:
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Photograph the unit right after move-out, before repairs
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Take post-repair or cleaning photos for any deposit deductions
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Provide these images to the tenant along with the itemized deduction statement
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Store all photos securely, ideally with timestamps and tenant info
You must update your move-out checklist and standard procedures if you self-manage properties. If managing the details feels overwhelming, it may be time to partner with a professional property manager who understands local laws and compliance.
🛠️ Best Practices for Compliance and Professionalism
To stay compliant and protect your business:
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Use a smartphone or DSLR to take wide-angle shots of each room
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Take close-ups of any damage or cleaning issues
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Make sure all photos are timestamped and well-organized
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Store everything in a secure cloud folder or management software
AB 2801 doesn’t just set new rules—it raises the standard for professionalism in property management. When done right, this process builds credibility with tenants and strengthens your position in case of a dispute.
📍 Supporting Landlords Across the San Fernando Valley, Eastern Ventura County, & Greater Los Angeles Region
As a licensed real estate professional based in Lake Balboa, I specialize in helping local property owners protect their investments. Whether you own a single-family rental in Encino, a triplex in Sherman Oaks, or a 10-unit building in Thousand Oaks, I’ll help you stay compliant while streamlining your rental operations.
With plans to expand into full-service property management across the Greater Los Angeles Region, I’m here to support landlords who want peace of mind and expert guidance.
👋 Let’s Connect
If you want to stay ahead of California’s rental laws—or you're considering hiring a property manager you can trust—reach out to me, Justin Bonney. I’ll help you implement innovative, compliant systems to protect your rental income and long-term property value.
