Rental lease agreement – The California rental lease agreement form is signed by both parties after the applicant’s employment and income have been verified through the printable rental application form.
Rental application Fee – As of December 2023, the maximum application fee is $62.02, updated annually based on the Consumer Price Index. [1][2]
Security Deposit Amount – California landlords can charge up to two months’ rent for unfurnished properties and up to three months’ rent for furnished properties. [3]
Sample Printable California Rental Application Form
Rental Application Form – A landlord in California can request future tenants to complete a rental application before signing the California month-to-month rental agreement template.
Sample California Month-to-Month Rental Agreement Template
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:
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.
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.
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)
This California commercial lease agreement form allows the Landlord to lease out a space for retail, office, or industrial use, while the Tenant pays rent based on the price per square foot ($/SF) in addition to any triple-net (NNN) expenses.
Commercial Lease Application – Before renting a property to any individual or business entity, landlords highly recommend using a lease application to screen applicants.
When Does a Commercial Lease Agreement Become Legally Binding in CA?
The California Commercial Lease Agreement template becomes legally binding when both parties sign the contract and the buyer gets the notice that the seller has accepted the deal. The buyer can get the notice in-person, by phone, and/or email.
Required Disclosure Forms
Accessibility (CASp): The lease must state if the property was inspected by a Certified Access Specialist (CASp). This info must be given at least 48 hours before signing.
Agency Disclosure (if a realtor is involved): If a real estate agent represents the landlord or tenant, both parties must sign a form acknowledging the agent’s role.
Agricultural Land (if nearby): If the property is within one mile of farmland, the tenant must be informed.
Asbestos (if built before 1979): If the building contains asbestos, the landlord must tell the tenant in writing.
Hazardous Substances (if known): The landlord must disclose any known hazardous materials on the property.
Energy Use (for large buildings): Required if the building is over 50,000 square feet.
Drug Contamination (if applicable): If the property was used to make meth or fentanyl and cleaned up, the tenant must be told, along with cleanup reports.
Prop 65 Warning (if applicable): If the property has chemicals that could cause cancer or birth defects, it must be disclosed.
A California advance health care directive, which combines a medical power of attorney and a living will, enables an individual to designate an agent to make medical decisions and convey end-of-life treatment preferences. A statutory form is required by California residents.
An individual can register an advance directive by completing the registration form (SFL-461) and attaching a $10 check payable to the Secretary of State.
What happens if you do not have a Health Care Advance Directive Form and you are unable to make decisions for yourself in California?
In California, if you do not have an Advance Directive and cannot communicate your wishes, there is no standard procedure for someone else to decide for you. The rules can also apply to minors, certain types of treatment, or pregnant women. While some states allow for a verbal appointment of a decision-maker, this information is focused on planning for situations where you cannot make decisions for yourself and does not cover verbal appointments.
California Advanced Directive/Medical Durable Power of Attorney Form: Preview Example
California Rental Application Form – The Landlord uses this rental application form when Tenants apply to rent property in California before signing the California rental lease agreement template. This form gives Landlords the written consent to gather information and do a background check on applicants.
California Lease Agreement Templates By Type
California Residential Lease Agreement – A standard lease agreement used for renting residential properties, includes the rent amount, term, security deposits, landlord-tenant responsibilities.
California Commercial Lease Agreement– A formal agreement between a business, individual or corporate, and the office, retail, or industrial property owner.
California Month-to-Month Lease Agreement – a rental contract without a fixed end date. Either party can terminate with 30 days’ notice if the lease is under one year or 60 days if it exceeds one (1) year. (Section 1946)
California Sublease Agreement–is used when a tenant rents out the space they currently lease from the landlord. The tenant must get written approval before allowing a subtenant.
California Association of Realtors Residential Lease Agreement [PDF]
What does the California rental lease agreement form cover?
This California rental lease agreement is used by landlords and tenants and includes required disclosure forms and covers the following laws; rent control and rent Increases, evictions, security deposits, discrimination, rent payments, late fees, tenant privacy, termination of tenancy, COVID-19 protections, required disclosure forms, and maintenance and repairs.
The following includes an in-depth look at what laws are included in the California rental lease agreement form:
Rent control laws in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland limit rent increases.
Landlords cannot raise rents more than 5% plus inflation (10% of rent) for rental units not covered by the statewide cap or built before 2005. [1]
California Eviction Laws
Landlords have the right to evict a tenant if there is a breach in the contract or nonpayment of rent; this is called having ‘just cause for eviction.’[2]
If the tenant does something illegal on the rental property.
Damages the property (committing waste)
Notice Requirements
Nonpayment of rent or breach of contract – 3 days notice
Month-to-month leases – 30/60 day notice rule
Security Deposit Requirements
21 Days – landlords must return all deposits within 21 days of the lease end date.
2 months’ rent – maximum amount landlords can request from tenants for unfurnished rental units
3 months’ rent – the maximum for furnished units. [3]
Discrimination Laws in California
California Fair Employment and Housing Act
Landlords cannot discriminate when finding tenants for their rental units based on:
The agreed-upon date in the agreement must state when rent is due.
Grace periods are not mandated by law, although landlords can charge a late fee for late rent if it is written in the lease agreement.
If a rent check is bounced, the landlord can charge an NFS fee of up to $25 for the first one and $35 per bounced check for any others. [6]
Tenant Privacy Laws, Landlord Notices, and Emergency Protocols
Landlords must give a 24-hour notice to tenants before entering the rental unit for maintenance and repairs, showings, or inspections, except in emergencies. [7]
In an emergency, landlords do not have to give tenants prior notice.
Lease Agreements in Writing vs. Verbal: Written and Veral Requirements
Tenants have protections under California Law with or without a written lease for under a year.
For leases that are longer than one year, they must be in writing for tenants to have full protection.[8]
Termination of Tenancy Rules for Tenants
Tenants who are on active military duty can terminate tenancy.
Tenants can terminate their lease if they are domestic violence victims. [9]
Tenants must submit the reports and any other documentation to back up the claim.
Required Landlord Disclosure Forms (19)
Landlords in California are required to provide the following disclosure forms and disclose any additional information to tenants prior to the move-in date.
Required Forms
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (hud.gov) – For properties built before 1978, landlords must disclose any risks related to lead-based paint and provide an EPA-approved pamphlet.
Asbestos Disclosure (§ 25915 – § 25915.5) – If a property built before 1979 contains asbestos, landlords must notify tenants about its presence and location.
Bed Bug Addendum (§ 1954.603) – Landlords must provide tenants with a bed bug addendum with information on the pest, prevention, and how to report infestations to the landlord.
Carbon Monoxide Detector Compliance (HSC § 17926.10)– Landlords must install carbon monoxide detectors with fossil-fuel heaters or appliances in all living units.
Carcinogenic Material (Conditional) (Regs. 27, § 25607.34) – Landlords with 10 or more employees must notify tenants if the property contains known carcinogens listed under Proposition 65.
Landlord/Property Manager Contact Information (§ 1962) – Landlords must provide their name, address, phone number, and details of the property manager. They must also disclose where, when, and how rent payments should be made.
Obligations of Non-Material Facts/Death (§ 1710.2) – If there was a death on the property, the landlord must disclose these facts to the tenant, unless the prior occupant who died was HIV-Positive or related to any AIDs issues, then the landlord does not have to disclose to the tenant.
Demolition (§ 1940.6) – If demolition is planned, tenants must be informed before signing the lease.
Flood Hazard (§ 8589.45) – If a property is in a high-risk flood zone, landlords must include this information in the lease.
Megan’s Law (§ 2079.10(a))(meganslaw.ca.gov) – Tenants must be notified in writing about California’s online registry of sex offenders.
Methamphetamine Contamination (§ 25400.45) – Landlords must disclose if the property has been contaminated by chemicals used in methamphetamine production.
Mold (§ 26147) – If known harmful mold is present, landlords must notify tenants. If unaware of mold issues, landlords may provide a general disclosure form.
Pest Control (§ 1940.8)—If tenants contract with a pest control company, Landlords must provide them with a list of pesticides used. Failure to do so may result in fines of up to $2,500.
Proximity to Military Bases (§ 1940.7) – If a property is within 1-mile of a military base using heavy ordnance, landlords must disclose this before signing the lease.
Smoking and Cannabis Policies (§ 1947.5) – Landlords must include rules about smoking in the lease agreement, including whether it’s allowed or prohibited on the property.
Shared Utilities (§ 1940.9) – Landlords must explain how utilities are shared between units and common areas and disclose the method for dividing costs.
Radon Gas Disclosures – Property Owners/landlords with up to four units must disclose any known environmental hazards, such as radon, formaldehyde, and mold. (California Civil Code Sec 1102 – 1102.18)
Seismic safety or earthquake hazard zones disclosures – Landlords must give Tenants a Natural Hazards Disclosure Statement, indicating if the home is in an Earthquake Fault or Seismic Hazard Zone. Also, provide a Residential Earthquake Risk Disclosure Statement. (DIVISION 2 – GEOLOGY, MINES AND MINING, CHAPTER 7.8)
Electricity & Gas– Units must have separate meters. If shared, landlords must disclose and set payment the terms.
Water & Trash – Responsibility isn’t mandated; leases should clarify who pays. Landlords should include the costs in rent.
Shared Meters – Landlords must inform tenants of shared meters and outline cost-sharing in writing. No profits allowed.
Unpaid Bills – The account holder pays. For water, landlords may be liable if tenants default on payments.
Pet Policies / Emotional Support Animals / Service Animals (By Law)
In California, rental pet policies follow the following rules by law when renting residential property.
Disability Rights
Emotional Support and Service Animals (disabilityrightsca.org) – Service and emotional support animals must be allowed, even with “no pets” policies, and no extra fees can be charged.
Temporary Pool Addendum to the Lease Agreement – Starting in 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.
CA Apartment and Home Rentals: Short and Long-Term Leases
Initial Inspection Report – A lease inspection report helps landlords check a rental property’s condition before, during, and after a lease. The lease inspection report allows the tenant to fix any issues before the final inspection. This report lists any damages, needed repairs, and security deposit deductions (if any). (CA Civil Code § 1950.5(f))
California Wildfires 2025 🔥
Some listings in California may have been affected by the ongoing California wildfires, as many homes and properties are no longer available.
CA Fire and Frontline Wildfire Defense
Cal Fire (fire.ca.gov) and Frontline Wildfire Defense (frontlinewildfire.com) share California’s most current and updated emergency incidents.
FAQs
Are lease agreements required to be in writing in California?
Yes, for leases over one year. For shorter terms, verbal agreements may still be valid but written leases are strongly recommended.
What is the maximum security deposit in California?
Two months’ rent for unfurnished units, three months for furnished units. Landlords must return deposits within 21 days after move-out.
Can a landlord raise rent in California?
Under AB 1482, most landlords cannot raise rent more than 5% + local inflation (max 10%) annually.
