Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

If you had a written lease or rental agreement, a suit for unpaid rent could be brought within four years of the date of the claimed breach of the agreement. The landlord's right to sue could be extended if it has billed you from time to time and you have failed to contest the bills.

An oral lease or rental agreement would have a two-year limitations period.

This issue involves the principle of "statutes of limitations." Their interpretation is rather complex and unusual circumstances can occasionally extend the time limit.