You officially made it!
You’ve managed to work out all the details needed to move. There are boxes stacked up all around you. The furniture was just delivered. You sit on your new plush couch by the window. Taking a quick, but much needed, breather to gaze at your new environment. You start noticing things that didn’t stand out before.
Such as the neighbors seem to be neglecting their property upkeep. Your house doesn’t have a pantry, and is lacking in closet space. The water pressure is actually quite awful. You were so eager to move that you rushed the process. It’s a crazy real estate market and you bid on the first house you came across. It’s a lot of work to move. You want to make sure you are completely informed and prepared before you make any major decisions and act on it.
Pick a seasoned Realtor to assist you: Not all real estate agents are great. Many agents lack the knowledge base to properly represent you. You want someone representing you that is aware of the good and bad neighborhoods. Someone established and not just looking for the next commission check. You want someone who will make sure the transaction goes smoothly. Because, the last thing you want is more stress.
Do your research: Look up the neighborhood demographics and crime rate statistics for the area’s you are considering. What kind of ratings does the educational system have? Are you conveniently located to major retailers? Are there local parks and a sense of community there? Were you looking for quiet suburban or lively nightlife vibes?
Opt for property inspections: Prior to closing escrow on a home you want to make sure you have completely inspected the property. The minimum standards would be getting a home inspection bundle package (roof, septic, pest, and home inspection reports). You find out a good deal of information about the property’s current issues, it’s upkeep, and safety standards.
If it’s an older home, you should definitely consider a sewer lateral inspection. Is the plumbing in good condition? Or, are there possible issues coming up? Such as deteriorating plumbing or roots infiltrating the system. There are a ton of other inspections to consider.
Doing your research ahead of time can help prevent some property headaches down the road. Relocating to another state is a lot of work (with researching, making preparations, and the physical demands of moving your stuff).That’s why it’s best to be represented by a Realtor that is detailed, experienced, and ethical to represent you. You want someone that will help provide you with the peace of mind that you have made the best decisions.
If You Are Renting in California for the First Time: What You Should Know
Relocating to California comes with a learning curve on housing. The state has some of the strongest tenant protections in the country - which is good for renters, but only if you know they exist.
AB-1482: The California Tenant Protection Act Most residential rentals built before 2005 are covered by the Tenant Protection Act (AB-1482). Under this law, landlords can only raise rent by a maximum of 5% plus the local CPI index per year (capped at 10% total; 8.8% for 2026 in most East Bay areas). They also cannot evict you without "just cause" after 12 months. This is a significant protection if you are moving into a covered unit.
Your security deposit is capped at one month's rent. As of July 2024 (AB 12), California landlords can collect a maximum of one month's rent as a security deposit for unfurnished rentals. The old two-month cap is gone. Any landlord asking for more is out of compliance.
You have the right to request repairs. California Civil Code requires landlords to maintain rental properties in habitable condition. If you report a repair need in writing and it is not addressed within a reasonable time, you have legal remedies including rent withholding under specific conditions and the right to repair and deduct for certain repairs up to one month's rent.
Smoke and CO detectors are required by law. Every California rental unit must have working smoke detectors in each bedroom and CO detectors if the unit has gas appliances or an attached garage. If yours are missing or non-functional at move-in, notify your landlord in writing immediately.
Document everything from day one. California tenants who have move-in inspection reports, written maintenance requests, and email trails are far better positioned in any deposit dispute than tenants who relied on verbal agreements. Take photos at move-in and keep copies of every document your landlord gives you.
Renting in East Contra Costa County: The communities of Pittsburg, Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley, Bay Point, and Concord offer a mix of single-family rentals and apartment communities at prices generally below the rest of the Bay Area. If you are looking for a rental in East Contra Costa managed by a professional team, Croskey Real Estate maintains a current list of available properties.