Does a California landlord have to refund the application fee if the pet policy wasn't shared?
Quick answer
Yes, from April 1, 2027, if you charged an application fee before disclosing the written pet policy and, because of that, the applicant is no longer eligible or declines to go on. The applicant asks in writing and you must refund the fee within seven business days (Civ. Code 1942.7.5(h)). A timely refund ends your duties to that applicant under the section.
What does the law say? Key facts and official sources
| Item | What the law says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Start date | Operative April 1, 2027 (1942.7.5(m)) | Cal. Civ. Code 1942.7.5 (SB 1296, Ch. 1025) |
| When the refund applies | You charge an application fee under Civ. Code 1950.6 but fail to disclose the established pet policy or pet addendum before charging it, and because of that the applicant is no longer eligible or declines to proceed (1942.7.5(h)) | Cal. Civ. Code 1942.7.5 (SB 1296, Ch. 1025) |
| How the applicant asks | By written notice to the landlord or agent (1942.7.5(h)) | Cal. Civ. Code 1942.7.5 (SB 1296, Ch. 1025) |
| Deadline | Refund within seven business days after receiving the written notice (1942.7.5(h)) | Cal. Civ. Code 1942.7.5 (SB 1296, Ch. 1025) |
| After a timely refund | The landlord or agent has no further obligations to the applicant under this section (1942.7.5(h)) | Cal. Civ. Code 1942.7.5 (SB 1296, Ch. 1025) |
| How to disclose | A written copy of the pet policy with any rental application form (electronic if the application is electronic), plus a link on your property website and digital ads where possible (1942.7.5(b)) | Cal. Civ. Code 1942.7.5 (SB 1296, Ch. 1025) |
| Penalty | The section sets no civil fine. Its stated remedy is the application-fee refund in 1942.7.5(h); other California laws may apply depending on the facts | Cal. Civ. Code 1942.7.5 (SB 1296, Ch. 1025) |
| Last verified | October 30, 2026 | Astor Ventures |
What counts as disclosing the pet policy in time?
Giving the applicant a written copy of the established pet policy or pet addendum with the rental application form, before you charge the fee (1942.7.5(b)(2), (h)). If the application is online, the copy must be provided electronically with it.
Does it apply if the applicant just changes their mind?
The text ties the refund to your failure to disclose: the applicant must be ineligible or decline "due to" that failure (1942.7.5(h)). An applicant who got the policy on time and withdraws for other reasons is not described.
Is there a fine on top of the refund?
No dollar fine appears in 1942.7.5. A nonmaterial error or omission corrected on notice is not a violation (1942.7.5(f)).
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What else do people ask?
When does this start?
April 1, 2027 (1942.7.5(m)).
How fast must I pay?
Within seven business days after you receive the written notice.
Does this change the application fee cap?
No. The section points to the existing application fee law, Civ. Code 1950.6, and does not change it.
Is this legal advice?
No. General information only.
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