Can a California Landlord Charge for Trash and Recycling?

Many California renters wonder if their landlord can legally require payment for trash and recycling collection. Knowing your rights as a tenant can help you avoid unexpected charges and ensure your landlord is following California law. This guide covers trash, recycling fees, and what you can do if you’re being charged unfairly.

Are Landlords Allowed to Charge Renters for Trash and Recycling in California?

Whether a landlord may charge tenants for trash and recycling collection in California depends on your lease agreement, local ordinances, and state law. While state law sets some baseline rules, local city or county regulations and what is specified in your rental agreement matter, too.

• If your rental agreement includes trash and recycling in the rent, your landlord cannot require you to pay additional separate charges unless you agree to a change in writing.
• If the rental agreement states that utilities or services like trash are billed separately, the landlord may charge you for those services. The charges must be specified and clear in the lease.
• Local city or county laws may require landlords of some properties (such as multi-unit buildings) to pay for trash service—check with your local housing authority for any special protections.

What the Law Says: California Civil Code and Local Rules

The main law governing landlord-tenant relationships is the California Civil Code, Sections 1940–1954 (Landlord and Tenant Law)^[1]. This code does not require landlords to pay for trash and recycling in all cases but holds landlords accountable to the terms of the lease. If your rental agreement does not clearly state you are responsible, the landlord generally cannot impose new charges without your consent.

Permitted Methods and Local Regulations

• Master Metered Buildings: In multi-unit buildings where utilities are billed collectively ("master metered"), landlords often arrange trash and recycling, but may share costs with tenants if the lease allows.
• Single-Family Homes: For single-family homes or duplexes, the responsibility may be negotiable. Always check what your lease says.
• Local Ordinances Vary: Many California cities (like San Francisco and Los Angeles) have local ordinances requiring landlords to provide trash service for residential units. Search your city’s housing department for guidance, such as the San Francisco Rent Board or Los Angeles Housing Department.

What to Do If You Disagree with Trash or Recycling Charges

If you believe charges for trash or recycling are not permitted by your agreement—or were added suddenly—take the following steps:

• 1. Review your lease: Check whether the lease mentions trash or recycling fees and whether they are included in rent or billed separately.
• 2. Document changes: Keep records of any new charges, emails, or notices about changed billing.
• 3. Communicate with your landlord: Ask for clarification in writing and cite your lease terms.
• 4. Consult local housing resources: Your city or county’s housing department can clarify your rights (for example, LA’s Ask Housing LA helpline).

How to File a Complaint or Seek Resolution

If your landlord introduces improper trash or recycling charges and won’t resolve the issue:

• File a complaint with your local rent board or housing department (such as the LA County Department of Consumer & Business Affairs).
• For statewide issues or situations where your city has no rent board, you can contact the California Department of Consumer Affairs.
• Consider mediation or seeking legal advice from your local legal aid organization.

Relevant Official Forms

• Notice of Change in Terms of Tenancy (California Civil Code Section 827)
  Landlords must use written notice if they wish to change the terms of tenancy, such as adding new utility fees for month-to-month renters. For example, if your landlord wants to begin billing you for trash, they must provide a notice at least 30 days in advance. You can see an example template via the California Courts Sample Notice.
• Official Complaint Form (varies by city/county)
  Many local housing departments offer online or physical complaint forms. For instance, LA County’s tenant complaint form is at LA County Tenant Protections.

FAQ: Trash & Recycling Charges for California Renters

1. Can my landlord charge me for trash if it was not in my lease?
   Generally, your landlord cannot add new charges for trash or recycling services unless you agree to a written change in the lease. For month-to-month renters, the landlord must provide written notice at least 30 days in advance.^[2]
2. Do city laws override state rules on utilities?
   Yes, if your local city or county has an ordinance offering stronger tenant protections, those rules apply in addition to state law.
3. Who pays for trash in apartments versus single-family homes?
   In apartment buildings, landlords often pay for trash collection, but may bill tenants if the lease allows. For single-family homes, responsibility depends on the lease or local ordinances.
4. Where can I file a complaint if charged wrongly for trash service?
   You can usually file with your city or county housing department or rent board. If none exists, contact the California Department of Consumer Affairs.
5. What is a Notice of Change in Terms of Tenancy?
   This is a written notice landlords must give before changing lease terms, such as adding a new utility charge. Month-to-month renters must get at least 30 days’ notice.^[2]

Key Takeaways for California Renters

• Check your lease and local city ordinances to understand who is responsible for trash and recycling costs.
• Landlords may only charge you for trash and recycling if these charges are clearly specified in your lease, or after proper written notice and agreement.
• If you disagree with a charge, communicate with your landlord, seek help from your local housing office, and know how to file a formal complaint.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• California Department of Housing and Community Development – Statewide renter information, tenant rights, and utility issues.
• California Courts – Tenant/Landlord Tribunal Process
• California Department of Consumer Affairs – Tenant Rights
• Contact your local city/county rent board or housing department

---

1. California Civil Code Sections 1940–1954 – Tenant Protections
2. California Civil Code Section 827 – Change in Terms of Tenancy

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations