California Application fees & screening

How much can a landlord charge for a rental application fee in California?

The application screening fee may not exceed actual out-of-pocket screening costs and is capped at $30 per applicant, adjusted annually for CPI since 1998. It can't be charged when no unit is or will soon be available.

Verified Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.6(b)-(c) · last checked 2026-10-15