California Rent Payment Laws:
California Civil Code section 1947.3
California Civil Code section 1947.3 requires landlords or property managers to allow tenants to pay rent by at least one form of payment that is neither cash nor electronic funds transfer. The law allows tenants and landlords to agree to pay rent in cash or via electronic funds transfer, but the landlord must allow another payment alternative, such as checks, unless the tenant bounces a check.
What Happens Where Lease Provision Mandates Rent Payment Using an Online Portal?
Often, California tenants unknowingly sign leases containing a provision requiring they pay rent via an online portal or website. Such clauses are void and unenforceable. California Civil Code § 1937.3(e). This is because they are against public policy for running contrary to California law. Id. In such instances, California tenants need not abide by the provision.
However, California tenants remain free to agree to pay rent via an online portal or website. The law provides tenants, and not landlords, with the freedom to choose how they pay rent.
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This is copied from someone’s similar situation elsewhere on the internet. (Unverified)* Your landlord can not require you to pay a fee to pay rent, he must allow you an alternative method of payment, as in a check. Simply print up this Civil Code from the Official California Legislature website and tell the landlord he must comply with the law. My landlord also has a fee for online payment, therefore I pay with check and bypass the fee.
