AB 1248: Hiring of real property: fees and charges.

This bill aims to regulate the hiring of real property in California by imposing requirements on landlords. On or after April 1, 2026, landlords and their agents must include the price of all required fees and charges, as well as a description of optional housing services, in any advertisement, display, or offer. Landlords cannot use a ratio utility billing system to allocate fees or charges, except for water or sewer service. Landlords are prohibited from charging any fee or charge other than required fees and charges, and fees for optional housing services. Payment received from or on behalf of tenants must be applied to rent, rental debt, and outstanding fees in a specified order. Late fees cannot be charged to tenants who are only delinquent on late fees. Violating these provisions can result in treble damages, and the bill establishes a 3-year statute of limitations for civil actio…