What Every California Tenant Needs to Know About Parking Rights

That parking spot might seem like a simple part of your rental, but it can become a huge headache very fast. Your tenant parking rights in California aren’t always obvious. They mostly come from your lease agreement, not some uniform state law. 

Let’s break this down, as knowing where you stand helps you avoid conflicts with your landlord or neighbors. It also saves you from unexpected towing bills or worse.

Your Tenant Parking Rights in California Start With Your Lease

Most of your parking rights flow directly from that contract you signed. If your lease guarantees you “Space 7B,” then you have a strong case for keeping that exact spot. But if the agreement just says “one parking space” without specifics, your situation gets fuzzier. As a general rule, it is illegal for a landlord to deny a tenant a parking space if it is in the lease.

A common area of dispute is what’s called an “implied” right. Say you’ve used the same unassigned spot for two years without issue. A court might rule that you have an established right to it, even if the lease is vague. In such cases, getting affordable legal help to review your documents and parking history makes a lot of sense.

Standard Setups and New Rules for 2025

California tenants typically see a few standard parking arrangements. You might have an assigned spot, which is the most secure. Or you could be in an unassigned, first-come, first-served lot. Some tenants deal with tandem parking, which requires careful coordination with a neighbor. 

A big change is coming for some renters. A new state law, AB 2898, targets new large residential properties in certain counties. Starting in 2025, it requires landlords to “unbundle” parking. This means they must charge for the parking space separately from your rent. In cities like Los Angeles, where the average unbundled