From the California Legislature, read Oct 1, 2026.Show the law
“In no case shall the amount of the application screening fee charged by the landlord or their agent be greater than thirty dollars ($30) per applicant …”
State law applies here too. Where both cover a rental, the stricter city rule usually wins; each rule below says so.
California lawIn force
California application screening fee cap and rules
How much can they charge me to apply?
About $69 per applicant in 2026, max.
California's cap grows with inflation each year.
Who it covers
Covers: Landlords (owners of residential rental property) and their agents charging applicants.
In force since
Jan 1, 2026
Figure period
until Dec 2026
The law, word for word
“In no case shall the amount of the application screening fee charged by the landlord or their agent be greater than thirty dollars ($30) per applicant …”
The provided Hayward documents (RRSO Ord. 16-19 and the City landlord information page) contain no local cap or rule on application or screening fees. The state rule, Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.6, governs these fees in Hayward.
The law, word for word
“In no case shall the amount of the application screening fee charged by the landlord or their agent be greater than thirty dollars ($30) per applicant …”