Cal. Civ. Code § 1940.20
California Civil Code
Operative Text
(a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply: (1) “Clothesline” includes a cord, rope, or wire from which laundered items may be hung to dry or air. A balcony, railing, awning, or other part of a structure or building shall not qualify as a clothesline. (2) “Drying rack” means an apparatus from which laundered items may be hung to dry or air. A balcony, railing, awning, or other part of a structure or building shall not qualify as a drying rack. (3) “Private area” means an outdoor area or an area in the tenant’s premises enclosed by a wall or fence with access from a door of the premises. (b) A tenant may utilize a clothesline or drying rack in the tenant’s private area if all of the following conditions are met: (1) The clothesline or drying rack will not interfere with the maintenance of the rental property. (2) The clothesline or drying rack will not create a health or safety hazard, block doorways, or interfere with walkways or utility service equipment. (3) The tenant seeks the landlord’s consent before affixing a clothesline to a building. (4) Use of the clothesline or drying rack does not violate reasonable time or location restrictions imposed by the landlord. (5) The tenant has received approval of the clothesline or drying rack, or the type of clothesline or drying rack, from the landlord.
California Civil Code § 1940.20 establishes that tenants have a conditional right to use clotheslines or drying racks in their private outdoor or enclosed areas. The rule defines what qualifies as a clothesline, drying rack, and private area, and it sets out specific conditions—such as avoiding safety hazards, not blocking doorways or walkways, and obtaining landlord approval—that must all be satisfied for the use to be permitted. Balconies, railings, and awnings do not count as clotheslines or drying racks under this provision.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1940.20, compliant operators generally establish a clear approval process for tenants who wish to use clotheslines or drying racks in their private areas. Landlords commonly document consent decisions, specify approved equipment types, and set reasonable time or location restrictions in writing to ensure the conditions of the statute are met. Maintaining records of approvals and any restrictions helps demonstrate that property management is operating consistently with the provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Cal. Civ. Code § 1940.20 gives tenants the right to use a clothesline or drying rack in their private area when all statutory conditions are satisfied, including obtaining landlord approval before affixing anything to a building. If a landlord refuses or imposes restrictions that appear unreasonable, tenants can document the situation and explore options such as contacting a local tenant-rights organization or raising the provision in any relevant housing proceeding. Consulting publicly available resources about this section can help tenants understand what approvals and conditions apply.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 4, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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