ARTICLE 2. Use Restrictions [1997.210. - 1997.270.]

Cal. Civil Code - CIV 2.
in effect

Cal. Civil Code - CIV § 1997.210. Section 1997.210.

(a) Subject to the limitations in this chapter, a lease may include a restriction on use of leased property by a tenant. (b) Unless the lease includes a restriction on use, a tenant’s rights under a lease include any reasonable use of leased property.

Cal. Civil Code - CIV § 1997.240. Section 1997.240.

A restriction on use of leased property by a tenant may provide that a change in use is subject to any express standard or condition.

Cal. Civil Code - CIV § 1997.250. Section 1997.250.

A restriction on use of leased property by a tenant may require the landlord’s consent for a change in use subject to any express standard or condition for giving or withholding consent, including, but not limited to, either of the following: (a) The landlord’s consent may not be unreasonably withheld. (b) The landlord’s consent may be withheld subject to express standards or conditions.

Cal. Civil Code - CIV § 1997.260. Section 1997.260.

If a restriction on use of leased property by a tenant requires the landlord’s consent for a change in use but provides no standard for giving or withholding consent, the restriction shall be construed to include an implied standard that the landlord’s consent may not be unreasonably withheld. Whether the landlord’s consent has been unreasonably withheld in a particular case is a question of fact on which the tenant has the burden of proof. The tenant may satisfy the burden of proof by showing that, in response to the tenant’s written request for a statement of reasons for withholding consent, the landlord has failed, within a reasonable time, to state in writing a reasonable objection to the change in use.

Cal. Civil Code - CIV § 1997.270. Section 1997.270.

(a) Section 1997.260 applies to a restriction on use executed on or after January 1, 1992. If a restriction on use executed before January 1, 1992, requires the landlord’s consent for a change in use of leased premises by a tenant, but provides no standard for giving or withholding consent, the landlord has sole and absolute discretion to give or withhold consent. (b) For purposes of this section, if the terms of a restriction on change in use are fixed by an option or other agreement, the restriction on change in use is deemed to be executed on the date of execution of the option or other agreement.
Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026

Starting a business in California? California LLC guide: costs and requirements