Why the State Made Changes?<\/strong><\/h2>\nCalifornia has some of the highest rents in the country, median rent hovers around $1,870, while in San Francisco it can soar past $3,500. Add to that the fact that about 28% of the entire nation\u2019s unhoused population lives here, roughly 186,000 people and it\u2019s easy to see why lawmakers have been pushing for fairer rental processes (Findigs).<\/p>\n
AB 2493 is the latest in a series of housing-related laws aimed at making the rental market<\/a> more accessible. The logic is straightforward: reduce bias, promote fairness, and make sure renters know exactly where they stand when applying.<\/p>\nThe Core Changes in AB 2493<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"The](\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg)
<\/p>\n
AB 2493 is more than just a tweak, it\u2019s a shift in process.<\/p>\n
1. First-Come, First-Served Applications<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe biggest change is that landlords will now need to process applications in the order they are received. No more cherry-picking. If the first person meets your published criteria, they get the offer.<\/p>\n
According to Compliance Prime, this means you must track the exact date and time each application arrives. It\u2019s not enough to say, \u201cI think they applied first.\u201d<\/p>\n
Practical tip:<\/strong> Keep a digital log with timestamps. If challenged, you\u2019ll need proof.<\/p>\n2. Application Fee Restrictions<\/strong><\/h3>\nUnder the new law, you can only collect application fees if:<\/p>\n
\n- You\u2019ve disclosed your screening criteria in writing upfront.<\/li>\n
- You\u2019re processing applications for units that are actually available.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
There\u2019s also a new refund requirement. Landlords must pick one of two refund models:<\/p>\n
Option A<\/strong><\/h4>\nRefund fees to every applicant except the one selected for the unit.<\/p>\n
Option B<\/strong><\/h4>\nRefund all fees to everyone if no one is selected.<\/p>\n
As explained by Property Management Pleasanton, most landlords will lean toward Option A to avoid extended vacancies.<\/p>\n
Practical tip:<\/strong> Decide on your refund model now and document it. Don\u2019t wait until the applications start rolling in.<\/p>\n3. Documentation & Receipts<\/strong><\/h3>\nPer KTS Law, landlords:<\/p>\n
\n- Can\u2019t profit from screening fees.<\/li>\n
- Must provide itemized receipts showing how the fee was used.<\/li>\n
- Need to keep records proving compliance with their chosen refund process.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
That means receipts aren\u2019t just \u201cnice to have\u201d anymore, they\u2019re a legal requirement.<\/p>\n
4. Limits on Background Checks<\/strong><\/h3>\nCalifornia law already limits how far back landlords can look for certain offenses. AB 2493 reinforces this:<\/p>\n
\n- Convictions more than 7 years old generally can\u2019t be reported.<\/li>\n
- Arrest-only records, sealed records, and expunged convictions are off-limits (Findigs).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
This means landlords must use tenant screening services that comply with state reporting laws<\/a> or risk facing complaints.<\/p>\nHow Landlords Can Stay Compliant in 2025?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Following the new rules isn\u2019t just about avoiding lawsuits, it\u2019s also about creating a process that works efficiently. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n
Step 1: Publish Your Screening Criteria Clearly<\/strong><\/h3>\nPut it in writing. Post it on your listing, email it to interested applicants, and keep a dated copy for your records.<\/p>\n
At minimum, include:<\/p>\n
\n- Minimum credit score<\/li>\n
- Income requirements (e.g., 2.5x monthly rent)<\/li>\n
- Pet policies<\/li>\n
- Smoking policy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Step 2: Log Applications in Order<\/strong><\/h3>\nYou\u2019ll need a reliable system to track when applications are received. Options include:<\/p>\n
\n- A dedicated email inbox for applications<\/li>\n
- An online property management portal with automatic timestamps<\/a><\/li>\n
- A spreadsheet you update in real time<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Step 3: Choose Your Refund Model in Advance<\/strong><\/h3>\nAB 2493 requires you to document your choice between Option A and Option B. Keep this on file in case of disputes.<\/p>\n
Step 4: Update Your Screening Service<\/strong><\/h3>\nWork only with screening services that follow California\u2019s reporting restrictions. Ask them directly how they handle sealed records and the 7-year limit.<\/p>\n
Step 5: Keep Itemized Receipts<\/strong><\/h3>\nAn example might look like this:<\/p>\n
\n\n\nExpense Type<\/strong><\/td>\nAmount<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nCredit Report<\/td>\n $14.50<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nBackground Check<\/td>\n $12.00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nAdmin Processing<\/td>\n $3.50<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\nCommon Legal Pitfalls to Avoid<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven with the new rules clearly written, landlords can trip up. Here are the big ones to watch for:<\/p>\n
\n- Processing Out of Order:<\/strong> Even if an applicant seems like a better fit, skipping someone in the queue can bring trouble.<\/li>\n
- Charging Fees for Unavailable Units:<\/strong> This is now prohibited and can lead to refund disputes.<\/li>\n
- Failing to Document Refunds:<\/strong> If you can\u2019t prove you refunded fees according to your policy, you could face penalties.<\/li>\n
- Using Non-Compliant Screening Reports:<\/strong> Reports showing old or restricted information can be challenged legally.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The Bigger Picture for California Landlords<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
AB 2493 is part of a broader push to make renting in California fairer. While it may feel like one more rule in an already regulated market, landlords who adapt quickly will likely find the process becomes second nature.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s about predictability. Consistency. And yes its compliance.<\/p>\n
And given the stakes both financial and legal, it\u2019s worth setting aside a day or two before January 1 to update your processes, notify your team or property manager, and make sure your application workflow is airtight.<\/p>\n
Conclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\nCalifornia\u2019s 2025 tenant screening laws are a clear signal: the state wants transparency and fairness in rental applications.<\/p>\n
By processing applications in the order they arrive, sticking to your published criteria, choosing and documenting a refund policy, keeping itemized receipts, and using compliant screening services, you\u2019ll be on solid legal ground.<\/p>\n
Do it right, and you protect both your property and your peace of mind.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re still unsure how these rules apply to your situation, consult an attorney familiar with California rental law or work with a professional property management company that already operates within these guidelines.<\/p>\n
\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
January 1, 2025 isn\u2019t just the start of a new year for landlords in California, it\u2019s the day AB 2493 becomes law. And with it, the way landlords handle rental applications will change in significant ways. Gone are the days of \u201cI\u2019ll just pick the tenant I like most.\u201d Now, the process will be more […] More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":7389,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[297],"tags":[390,392,393,391],"reaction":[],"adace-sponsor":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-7385","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-real-estate","8":"tag-california","9":"tag-property-laws","10":"tag-tenant-laws","11":"tag-tenant-screening"},"aioseo_notices":[],"wps_subtitle":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7385","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7385"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7385\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7391,"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7385\/revisions\/7391"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7389"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7385"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7385"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7385"},{"taxonomy":"reaction","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/reaction?post=7385"},{"taxonomy":"adace-sponsor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/adace-sponsor?post=7385"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
The Core Changes in AB 2493<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
AB 2493 is more than just a tweak, it\u2019s a shift in process.<\/p>\n
1. First-Come, First-Served Applications<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe biggest change is that landlords will now need to process applications in the order they are received. No more cherry-picking. If the first person meets your published criteria, they get the offer.<\/p>\n
According to Compliance Prime, this means you must track the exact date and time each application arrives. It\u2019s not enough to say, \u201cI think they applied first.\u201d<\/p>\n
Practical tip:<\/strong> Keep a digital log with timestamps. If challenged, you\u2019ll need proof.<\/p>\n2. Application Fee Restrictions<\/strong><\/h3>\nUnder the new law, you can only collect application fees if:<\/p>\n
\n- You\u2019ve disclosed your screening criteria in writing upfront.<\/li>\n
- You\u2019re processing applications for units that are actually available.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
There\u2019s also a new refund requirement. Landlords must pick one of two refund models:<\/p>\n
Option A<\/strong><\/h4>\nRefund fees to every applicant except the one selected for the unit.<\/p>\n
Option B<\/strong><\/h4>\nRefund all fees to everyone if no one is selected.<\/p>\n
As explained by Property Management Pleasanton, most landlords will lean toward Option A to avoid extended vacancies.<\/p>\n
Practical tip:<\/strong> Decide on your refund model now and document it. Don\u2019t wait until the applications start rolling in.<\/p>\n3. Documentation & Receipts<\/strong><\/h3>\nPer KTS Law, landlords:<\/p>\n
\n- Can\u2019t profit from screening fees.<\/li>\n
- Must provide itemized receipts showing how the fee was used.<\/li>\n
- Need to keep records proving compliance with their chosen refund process.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
That means receipts aren\u2019t just \u201cnice to have\u201d anymore, they\u2019re a legal requirement.<\/p>\n
4. Limits on Background Checks<\/strong><\/h3>\nCalifornia law already limits how far back landlords can look for certain offenses. AB 2493 reinforces this:<\/p>\n
\n- Convictions more than 7 years old generally can\u2019t be reported.<\/li>\n
- Arrest-only records, sealed records, and expunged convictions are off-limits (Findigs).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
This means landlords must use tenant screening services that comply with state reporting laws<\/a> or risk facing complaints.<\/p>\nHow Landlords Can Stay Compliant in 2025?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Following the new rules isn\u2019t just about avoiding lawsuits, it\u2019s also about creating a process that works efficiently. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n
Step 1: Publish Your Screening Criteria Clearly<\/strong><\/h3>\nPut it in writing. Post it on your listing, email it to interested applicants, and keep a dated copy for your records.<\/p>\n
At minimum, include:<\/p>\n
\n- Minimum credit score<\/li>\n
- Income requirements (e.g., 2.5x monthly rent)<\/li>\n
- Pet policies<\/li>\n
- Smoking policy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Step 2: Log Applications in Order<\/strong><\/h3>\nYou\u2019ll need a reliable system to track when applications are received. Options include:<\/p>\n
\n- A dedicated email inbox for applications<\/li>\n
- An online property management portal with automatic timestamps<\/a><\/li>\n
- A spreadsheet you update in real time<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Step 3: Choose Your Refund Model in Advance<\/strong><\/h3>\nAB 2493 requires you to document your choice between Option A and Option B. Keep this on file in case of disputes.<\/p>\n
Step 4: Update Your Screening Service<\/strong><\/h3>\nWork only with screening services that follow California\u2019s reporting restrictions. Ask them directly how they handle sealed records and the 7-year limit.<\/p>\n
Step 5: Keep Itemized Receipts<\/strong><\/h3>\nAn example might look like this:<\/p>\n
\n\n\nExpense Type<\/strong><\/td>\nAmount<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nCredit Report<\/td>\n $14.50<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nBackground Check<\/td>\n $12.00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nAdmin Processing<\/td>\n $3.50<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\nCommon Legal Pitfalls to Avoid<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven with the new rules clearly written, landlords can trip up. Here are the big ones to watch for:<\/p>\n
\n- Processing Out of Order:<\/strong> Even if an applicant seems like a better fit, skipping someone in the queue can bring trouble.<\/li>\n
- Charging Fees for Unavailable Units:<\/strong> This is now prohibited and can lead to refund disputes.<\/li>\n
- Failing to Document Refunds:<\/strong> If you can\u2019t prove you refunded fees according to your policy, you could face penalties.<\/li>\n
- Using Non-Compliant Screening Reports:<\/strong> Reports showing old or restricted information can be challenged legally.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The Bigger Picture for California Landlords<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
AB 2493 is part of a broader push to make renting in California fairer. While it may feel like one more rule in an already regulated market, landlords who adapt quickly will likely find the process becomes second nature.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s about predictability. Consistency. And yes its compliance.<\/p>\n
And given the stakes both financial and legal, it\u2019s worth setting aside a day or two before January 1 to update your processes, notify your team or property manager, and make sure your application workflow is airtight.<\/p>\n
Conclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\nCalifornia\u2019s 2025 tenant screening laws are a clear signal: the state wants transparency and fairness in rental applications.<\/p>\n
By processing applications in the order they arrive, sticking to your published criteria, choosing and documenting a refund policy, keeping itemized receipts, and using compliant screening services, you\u2019ll be on solid legal ground.<\/p>\n
Do it right, and you protect both your property and your peace of mind.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re still unsure how these rules apply to your situation, consult an attorney familiar with California rental law or work with a professional property management company that already operates within these guidelines.<\/p>\n
\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
January 1, 2025 isn\u2019t just the start of a new year for landlords in California, it\u2019s the day AB 2493 becomes law. And with it, the way landlords handle rental applications will change in significant ways. Gone are the days of \u201cI\u2019ll just pick the tenant I like most.\u201d Now, the process will be more […] More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":7389,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[297],"tags":[390,392,393,391],"reaction":[],"adace-sponsor":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-7385","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-real-estate","8":"tag-california","9":"tag-property-laws","10":"tag-tenant-laws","11":"tag-tenant-screening"},"aioseo_notices":[],"wps_subtitle":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7385","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7385"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7385\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7391,"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7385\/revisions\/7391"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7389"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7385"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7385"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7385"},{"taxonomy":"reaction","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/reaction?post=7385"},{"taxonomy":"adace-sponsor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/adace-sponsor?post=7385"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/The-Core-Changes-in-AB-2493-300x178.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThe biggest change is that landlords will now need to process applications in the order they are received. No more cherry-picking. If the first person meets your published criteria, they get the offer.<\/p>\n
According to Compliance Prime, this means you must track the exact date and time each application arrives. It\u2019s not enough to say, \u201cI think they applied first.\u201d<\/p>\n
Practical tip:<\/strong> Keep a digital log with timestamps. If challenged, you\u2019ll need proof.<\/p>\n Under the new law, you can only collect application fees if:<\/p>\n There\u2019s also a new refund requirement. Landlords must pick one of two refund models:<\/p>\n Refund fees to every applicant except the one selected for the unit.<\/p>\n Refund all fees to everyone if no one is selected.<\/p>\n As explained by Property Management Pleasanton, most landlords will lean toward Option A to avoid extended vacancies.<\/p>\n Practical tip:<\/strong> Decide on your refund model now and document it. Don\u2019t wait until the applications start rolling in.<\/p>\n Per KTS Law, landlords:<\/p>\n That means receipts aren\u2019t just \u201cnice to have\u201d anymore, they\u2019re a legal requirement.<\/p>\n California law already limits how far back landlords can look for certain offenses. AB 2493 reinforces this:<\/p>\n This means landlords must use tenant screening services that comply with state reporting laws<\/a> or risk facing complaints.<\/p>\n Following the new rules isn\u2019t just about avoiding lawsuits, it\u2019s also about creating a process that works efficiently. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n Put it in writing. Post it on your listing, email it to interested applicants, and keep a dated copy for your records.<\/p>\n At minimum, include:<\/p>\n You\u2019ll need a reliable system to track when applications are received. Options include:<\/p>\n AB 2493 requires you to document your choice between Option A and Option B. Keep this on file in case of disputes.<\/p>\n Work only with screening services that follow California\u2019s reporting restrictions. Ask them directly how they handle sealed records and the 7-year limit.<\/p>\n An example might look like this:<\/p>\n Even with the new rules clearly written, landlords can trip up. Here are the big ones to watch for:<\/p>\n AB 2493 is part of a broader push to make renting in California fairer. While it may feel like one more rule in an already regulated market, landlords who adapt quickly will likely find the process becomes second nature.<\/p>\n It\u2019s about predictability. Consistency. And yes its compliance.<\/p>\n And given the stakes both financial and legal, it\u2019s worth setting aside a day or two before January 1 to update your processes, notify your team or property manager, and make sure your application workflow is airtight.<\/p>\n California\u2019s 2025 tenant screening laws are a clear signal: the state wants transparency and fairness in rental applications.<\/p>\n By processing applications in the order they arrive, sticking to your published criteria, choosing and documenting a refund policy, keeping itemized receipts, and using compliant screening services, you\u2019ll be on solid legal ground.<\/p>\n Do it right, and you protect both your property and your peace of mind.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re still unsure how these rules apply to your situation, consult an attorney familiar with California rental law or work with a professional property management company that already operates within these guidelines.<\/p>\n \n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" January 1, 2025 isn\u2019t just the start of a new year for landlords in California, it\u2019s the day AB 2493 becomes law. And with it, the way landlords handle rental applications will change in significant ways. Gone are the days of \u201cI\u2019ll just pick the tenant I like most.\u201d Now, the process will be more […] More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":7389,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[297],"tags":[390,392,393,391],"reaction":[],"adace-sponsor":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-7385","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-real-estate","8":"tag-california","9":"tag-property-laws","10":"tag-tenant-laws","11":"tag-tenant-screening"},"aioseo_notices":[],"wps_subtitle":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7385","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7385"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7385\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7391,"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7385\/revisions\/7391"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7389"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7385"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7385"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7385"},{"taxonomy":"reaction","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/reaction?post=7385"},{"taxonomy":"adace-sponsor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/adace-sponsor?post=7385"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}2. Application Fee Restrictions<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
Option A<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Option B<\/strong><\/h4>\n
3. Documentation & Receipts<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
4. Limits on Background Checks<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
How Landlords Can Stay Compliant in 2025?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/How-Landlords-Can-Stay-Compliant-in-2025-300x177.jpg\")
<\/p>\nStep 1: Publish Your Screening Criteria Clearly<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
Step 2: Log Applications in Order<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
Step 3: Choose Your Refund Model in Advance<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Step 4: Update Your Screening Service<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Step 5: Keep Itemized Receipts<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n\n
\n Expense Type<\/strong><\/td>\n Amount<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Credit Report<\/td>\n $14.50<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Background Check<\/td>\n $12.00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Admin Processing<\/td>\n $3.50<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n Common Legal Pitfalls to Avoid<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n
The Bigger Picture for California Landlords<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.fernandoraymond.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/The-Bigger-Picture-for-California-Landlords-300x177.jpg\")
<\/p>\nConclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\n