06/16/2026
How to Screen Tenants Legally in California Without Getting Sued
How do you legally deny a rental applicant in California without getting sued? This video breaks down how to deny a tenant legally in California, the screening rules behind every rejection, and the adverse action notice you must send when the answer is no.
What this video covers:
0:45 - Why written, consistent criteria are the foundation of any defensible denial, plus California's protected classes
2:15 - The income, credit, and screening fee rules that make or break a decision (Civil Code 1950.6 and AB 2493)
4:30 - Criminal history: why blanket bans are illegal, what you cannot consider, and the cities that ban checks entirely
6:30 - The reasons you can never deny for, from immigration status to a missing Social Security number
8:00 - How to deny an applicant the right way with a proper adverse action notice
Run your numbers with the free self-managing cost calculator here: https://www.wellspringpm.com/calculator .
See what screening and managing your own rentals actually costs you, fees, software, time, and risk included, versus handing it to a manager.
Prefer to hand the whole thing off? Visit WellspringPM.com or call the office at 760-371-4282, extension 101. That line comes straight to me. I'm out in the field during the day, so if I don't pick up, leave a message and I'll return your call no later than one business day. That's our company guarantee.
This video is general education about California and federal law, not legal advice for your specific situation. Local city and county rules vary.
Wellspring Property Management
CA DRE #01914252
Serving Ridgecrest, Stockton and surrounding areas
206 Balsam St Ridgecrest, CA 93555
760-371-4282
WWW.WellspringPM.com
https://youtu.be/i1EZw9lAn-Q?si=f_Igz07uLwEHmJ6D
The trusted choice for Property Management. Wellspring's Property Management experienced property managers will help you to maximize your investment property's potential.