Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

All rental agreements are not the same

No. The two most common kinds of rental agreements are " lease " and " month-to-month."

A lease is for a definite period of time - generally one year. Unless you break the terms of the lease, the owner of your apartment or house (your landlady or landlord) cannot raise your rent - unless the lease says otherwise. The owner also cannot ask you to move until the lease is up. A month-to-month rental agreement is not for a set period of time. It continues until you decide to move or the owner asks you to leave. If you pay your rent monthly, you must give the owner 30 days written notice that you are moving. An owner who wants you to leave or decides to raise your rent must inform you, in writing, 30 days ahead of time.

However, you and the owner may agree in writing to a shorter notice. Moreover, if you break the rules, perhaps by using the apartment for illegal purposes or creating a nuisance, the owner can give you a three-day notice.