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Rental Application – A form landlords ask potential tenants to complete, providing personal details, employment history, and references to verify their credibility. Once approved, both parties can sign the California residential lease agreement template.
What does the California residential lease agreement form cover?
This California residential lease agreement template includes the following laws and regulations:
- Legal Considerations
- Rent Control and Rent Increases: California Tenant Protection Act
- Just Cause Eviction Laws
- Security Deposit Rules and Requirements
Legal Considerations
The laws landlords and tenants must follow are listed below:
- Landlords and Tenants are governed by local, state, and federal laws.
- The agreement can be oral/verbal but it is recommended the contract be in writing to avoid any future legal disputes.[1]
Rent Control and Rent Increases: California Tenant Protection Act
- The California Tenant Protection Act of 2019 states that rent in California cannot increase more than 5% per year plus local inflation, up to a maximum of 10% in a 12-month period.
- This law is effective until July 31, 2025.[2]
Just Cause Eviction Laws
- Landlords can only evict tenants for valid reasons, like unpaid rent or breaking lease terms. For no-fault evictions, such as when the owner moves in, landlords must offer relocation assistance.[3]
Security Deposit Rules and Requirements
- Landlords must return deposits within 21 days after the lease ends.
- They can charge the tenant up to 2 months’ rent for unfurnished units and up to 3 months’ rent for furnished units.[4]
Temporary Pool Addendum to the Lease Agreement
September 2025 – California will require all new pool pumps to be internet-enabled and set to operate between 9 AM and 3 PM. This applies to new pools or when replacing pumps but they can still run outside these hours. Hot tubs are not affected by this rule.
Sample California Residential Lease Template
California Residential Lease Agreement Checklist
✅ Before Signing Checklist
Landlord Preparation:
Property inspection completed
All required disclosures prepared (lead paint for pre-1978 properties)
Background check results reviewed
Previous landlord references verified
Income verification (3x rent minimum recommended)
Security deposit terms comply with California law (2 months’ rent unfurnished, 3 months’ furnished)
Tenant Preparation:
Read entire lease agreement thoroughly
Understand all financial obligations and late fees
Document property condition with photos/video
Verify landlord contact information and proper agent designation
Review California Civil Code and tenant protection laws
Confirm utilities responsibilities and connection procedures
✅ After Signing Checklist
Immediate Actions (First 24 Hours):
Exchange signed copies with all parties
Collect security deposit and first month’s rent
Provide keys, access codes, and garage remotes
Provide written receipt for security deposit and rent payments
Schedule and complete move-in inspection
First Week Actions:
Update address with postal service and delivery services
Transfer utilities (PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, gas, water, internet)
Document move-in condition and submit to landlord
Obtain emergency contact procedures and after-hours maintenance numbers
Review garbage/recycling schedules and HOA rules (if applicable)
Register to vote at new address if applicable
Update driver’s license and vehicle registration (10 days required)