California credit laws

Citation:

Cal. Civ. Code 1785.27; 1785.13(a)(7)

Effective:

Jan 1, 2025

In California, a person may not furnish information about a medical debt to a consumer credit reporting agency, and medical debt is on the list of items a credit reporting agency may not include in a report. A medical debt is void and unenforceable if a person knowingly violates the furnishing ban.

Source checked Sep 29, 2026

Citation:

Cal. Civ. Code 1785.11.2 et seq.

California law lets you place a security freeze on your credit file, which stops a credit bureau from releasing your report to most new creditors until you lift it. Since September 21, 2018, federal law also makes placing and lifting a freeze free at each nationwide credit bureau.

Source checked Sep 29, 2026

Citation:

Cal. Civ. Code 1789.10 et seq.

California regulates businesses that charge to improve a consumer's credit record, history or rating. The federal Credit Repair Organizations Act also applies: these companies may not charge before the promised services are fully performed, and you can cancel a contract within 3 business days.

Source checked Sep 29, 2026

Citation:

Cal. Civ. Code 1954.07

Effective:

Jan 1, 2025

California landlords covered by this law must offer tenants the option of having positive rent payments reported to at least one nationwide credit bureau. The offer is due when a lease is signed and at least once a year after, and for leases in place on January 1, 2025, the first offer was due by April 1, 2025. Reporting is optional and you can opt out at any time.

Source checked Sep 29, 2026