I once met a child who was trying to rent out their parents' house in Rancho Cucamonga. There was a time when a single line in a local newspaper would bring tenants to your door. That's not the case anymore. If you don't list your property properly on online platforms, no one will even know it's available.

In order, there are four main things to check. First is setting the rent. The average rent in Rancho Cucamonga is $2,885, with one-bedroom units at $2,156 and two-bedroom units at $2,679 (Zumper, June 2026). Since rents have decreased by 7% over the past year, using previous rates will only lead to longer vacancies.

Second is advertising. It has become essential to post on multiple platforms like Zillow, Apartments.com, and Zumper, including photos, number of bedrooms, parking availability, and pet policies.

Third is tenant screening. You should check credit scores, proof of income, and previous rental history, often using a guideline of three times the rent for income. The same criteria must be applied to all applicants.

Fourth is the lease agreement. You need to specify the rental period, monthly rent and due date, security deposit, repair responsibilities, and termination conditions. While verbal agreements might have sufficed in the past, failing to document these details now puts you at a disadvantage in disputes.

• Reassess rent based on the past year's trends
• Advertise on multiple platforms with photos and conditions
• Verify tenants through credit scores, income, and rental history
• Document rental period, monthly rent, security deposit, and termination conditions
• Check security deposit limits, return deadlines, and notice periods

California has set a security deposit limit of one month's rent under AB 12 starting July 2024. Individual landlords with four or fewer rental units can charge up to two months' rent. Security deposits must be returned within 21 days after move-out or a deduction statement must be provided (Civil Code Section 1950.5). If rent is unpaid, a three-day notice is required before proceeding, and for no-cause terminations, a 30-day notice is needed for less than one year of residency, and 60 days for more than one year.

You can charge an application fee when receiving applications, but there is a cap. As of 2026, it is $65.86, and if you charge more than the actual cost, you must refund the difference (Civil Code Section 1950.6). There used to be no such cap, but that has changed.

There are also regulations on rent increases. If the building is over 15 years old, AB 1482 limits annual increases to the inflation rate plus 5%, with a maximum of 10%. Tenants who have lived there for over a year cannot be evicted without just cause. Personal single-family homes can be exempt if a notice clause is included in the lease. If it's a house that has been held in your parents' name for a long time, it likely qualifies for this exemption.

Landlords are also required to maintain plumbing, heating, and security systems in good working order. Repair requests should be addressed within a reasonable time frame.

On the day the tenant moves in, it's advisable to document the condition of the house with photos and notes. Recording the state of the walls, floors, and appliances in advance can reduce disputes later about whether damages were pre-existing or newly caused. This record also serves as evidence when determining damages caused by pets.

The lease term is another aspect to decide in advance. A one-year fixed lease provides stability without vacancy concerns. Month-to-month leases offer flexibility but come with vacancy risks. If you're managing your parents' house for the first time, starting with a one-year fixed lease is less burdensome.

It's also important to review existing homeowners insurance. Coverage for owner-occupied homes differs from rental insurance. If you don't switch to rental insurance, you may not be covered for incidents that occur while tenants are living there. It's safest to check directly with your insurance company about this.

Details may vary by county. Before signing a lease, it's advisable to consult with a real estate professional or a rental law attorney. This article is for general information and is not legal advice.