As a Riverside eviction law firm, we know how challenging it can be to navigate California’s constantly changing landlord-tenant regulations. One of the most common questions we receive is whether landlords in Riverside can legally charge tenants a “convenience fee” when rent is paid with a credit card. With new laws taking effect and more legislation under consideration, staying informed is critical for property owners and managers in Riverside County.
The Current Law: SB 611 (Effective April 1, 2025)
As of August 2025, Senate Bill 611 makes it legal for California landlords—including those in Riverside—to charge a convenience fee for rent payments made by credit card. But this permission comes with important restrictions:
- Prohibited Fees: Landlords may not charge tenants for delivering or serving notices (like eviction notices or late rent notices) or for rent payments made by check.
- Mandatory Fee-Free Option: If you do allow credit card payments with a fee, state law requires you to also provide at least one alternative payment method that is free of charge. Importantly, that option cannot be limited to cash or electronic transfer—it must be something like a check or money order.
What Could Change: Proposed Legislation
Two bills currently being considered in Sacramento could reshape how Riverside landlords handle rent payment fees:
- SB 681 – Already passed by the California Senate and now under Assembly review, this bill could heavily restrict or even eliminate convenience fees. Landlords might be required to fold those costs into the rent instead of charging them separately.
- SB 381 (“Fair Rental Act of 2025”) – This proposal goes even further by explicitly banning all processing and convenience fees, including credit card surcharges, for rent and related payments.
Neither bill is law yet, but both could take effect as early as January 2026.
Quick Reference: Current and Possible Rules
| Timeframe | Law Status | Credit Card Convenience Fee Allowed? | Fee-Free Payment Option Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Now (Aug 2025) | SB 611 in effect | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (non-electronic, no fee) |
| If SB 681 passes | Under Assembly review | ⚠️ Possibly restricted/bundled into rent | N/A |
| If SB 381 passes | Proposed | ❌ No, banned | N/A |
What Riverside Landlords Should Do
For now, Riverside landlords may charge a convenience fee on credit card rent payments, provided a valid fee-free option is also offered. But with SB 681 and SB 381 on the horizon, these fees could soon be eliminated or forced into rent pricing.
The takeaway: Stay updated on California’s legislative changes. Riverside landlords who fail to adjust their practices promptly could face compliance issues, tenant disputes, or legal exposure.
