CA

apply-to-rent-property

Laws ⚖️

  • 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]

Sources

  1. Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.6
  2. California Apartment Association
  3. Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(c)

Sample Printable California Rental Application Form 

PDF | WORD | EXCEL | ODT 

California RENTAL APPLICATION FORM

Property Address: _________________________________________________
Unit/Apartment Number (if applicable): ___________________________
Desired Move-In Date: ___________________________
Lease Term: ________________ months/years

Applicant Information

Full Name: ______________________________________________________
Date of Birth: ___________________________
Social Security Number (if applicable): ___________________________
Driver’s License/ID Number: ________________ State: ____________
Phone Number: ___________________________
Email Address: ___________________________
Current Address: _________________________________________________
City/State/ZIP: _________________________________________________
How Long at This Address? ___________________________
Landlord/Property Manager: ___________________________
Phone: ___________________________
Reason for Leaving: _________________________________________________
Previous Address: _________________________________________________
City/State/ZIP: _________________________________________________
How Long at This Address? ___________________________
Landlord/Property Manager: ___________________________
Phone: ___________________________
Reason for Leaving: _________________________________________________

Employment & Income Information

Current Employer: _________________________________________________
Employer Address: _________________________________________________
Position/Title: ___________________________
Supervisor’s Name: ___________________________
Phone: ___________________________
Length of Employment: ___________________________
Monthly Income (Gross): $___________________________
Previous Employer (if less than 1 year at current job): ____________________________________
Employer Address: _________________________________________________
Position/Title: ___________________________
Supervisor’s Name: ___________________________
Phone: ___________________________
Length of Employment: ___________________________
Monthly Income (Gross): $___________________________

Other Sources of Income

Source: _________________________________________________
Amount: $__________________________
Frequency: ___________________________
Co-Applicants/Occupants (18 years or older)
Full Name: ______________________________ Relationship: ___________
SIMPLE FORMS
Full Name: ______________________________ Relationship: ___________
Full Name: ______________________________ Relationship: ___________
Total Number of Occupants (including minors): ___________________________
Vehicle Information
Vehicle Make/Model: ___________________________ Year: ___________
License Plate #: ___________________________ State: ___________
Vehicle Make/Model: ___________________________ Year: ___________
License Plate #: ___________________________ State: ___________

Pets

Do you have pets? ☐ Yes ☐ No
If yes, describe (type/breed/weight): ___________________________________________

References

Personal Reference (non-family): ___________________________
Phone Number: ___________________________
Relationship: ___________________________
Emergency Contact: ___________________________
Phone Number: ___________________________
Relationship: ___________________________

Consent and Certification

I/we certify that the information provided in this application is true and complete to the
best of my/our knowledge. I/we authorize the landlord/manager to verify the information
provided, including credit history, employment, and rental history.

Applicant Signature: ____________________________________ Date: ___________
Co-Applicant Signature: _________________________________ Date: ___________

What the California rental lease agreement form covers?

This California residential lease agreement template includes the following laws and regulations:

  1. Legal Considerations
  2. Rent Control and Rent Increases: California Tenant Protection Act
  3. Just Cause Eviction Laws
  4. Security Deposit Rules and Requirements

Legal Considerations

  • 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]

rent-control-laws

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.

pool-addendum

Sources

  1. dre.ca.gov
  2. oag.ca.gov
  3. selfhelp.courts.ca.gov
  4. Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5

Sample California Residential Lease Template

This California standard 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.

Options By Type

 

Residential-Lease-Agreement

 Residential Lease Agreement – Standard 1-year lease term.

Download: PDF | Word (.docx)
 

Commercial-Lease-Agreement

 Commercial Lease Agreement – Used for retail spaces, office buildings, warehouses, and industrial facilities.

Download: PDF | Word (.docx)
 

Month-to-Month

 Month-to-Month Lease Agreement – Tenancy at will with renewals every 30 days.

Download: PDF | Word (.docx)
 

Rent-to-Own

 Rent to Own Lease Agreement – This type of residential lease adds the option for tenant to purchase the property.

Download: PDF | Word (.docx)
 

Placeholder Image

 Roommate Lease Agreement – Shared living arrangements.

Download: PDF | Word (.docx)
 

Sublease-Agreement

 Sublease Agreement – Used to Sublet unit with landlords approval.

Download: PDF | Word (.docx)

California Association of Realtors Residential Lease Agreement – PDF

California Commercial Lease Agreement Form Sample

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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.

Standard Durable Power of Attorney Forms

Registering Advance Directive

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.

Source: § 4800

Three Options Available for Form Revocation

  1. Fill and sign the revocation form
  2. When the Agent is a spouse, the form will be revoked if the marriage dissolves due to death or legal divorce.
  3. A new form replaces the current one.

Source: § 4695

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.

Source: CDSS – Your Right To Make Decisions About Medical Treatment

California Advanced Directive/Medical Durable Power of Attorney Form: Preview Example

Next →

California Lease Agreements By Type

 

California-Residential-Lease-Agreement-Template

 California Residential Lease Agreement – Used for fixed-term leases of a standard 1-year or more.

Download: PDF | Word (.docx)
 

California-Commercial-Lease-Agreement-Template

 California Commercial Lease Agreement – Used for retail spaces, office buildings, warehouses, and industrial facilities.

Download: PDF | Word (.docx)
 

Month-to-Month

 California Month-to-Month Lease Agreement – This form is also known as “tenancy at will” with renewals every 30-days.

Download: PDF | Word (.docx)
 

Rent-to-Own

 California Rent to Own Lease Agreement – Type of residential lease adds the option for Tenants to purchase the property.

Download: PDF | Word (.docx)
 

Roommate-Rental-Lease-Agreement-Template

 California Roommate Lease Agreement – Shared living space. A legally binding contract outlining responsibilities and agreements between co-tenants.

Download: PDF | Word (.docx)
 

Sublease-Agreement

 California Sublease Agreement – Used to Sublet unit with landlords approval.

Download: PDF | Word (.docx)

California Association of Realtors

California Association of Realtors Residential Lease Agreement [PDF]

ca-residential-lease-agreement-template

What the California rental lease agreement form covers?

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 and Rent Increase Laws in CA

  • Rent control laws in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland limit the 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 the year 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

eviction-notice-non-payment-of-rent

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 – 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:
  • race
  • color
  • religion
  • gender
  • mental/physical disability [4], [5]

Rent Payment Date, Grace Periods, and NSF Fees

  • The agreed upon date in the agreement must state the date 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 a NFS fee 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 prior to entering 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.

privacy-laws

Lease Agreements in Writing vs. Verbal: Written and Veral Requirements

  • Tenants have protections under California Law with or without a written lease for periods of under a year.
  • For leases that are longer than one-year, they must be in writing for tenants to have full protections. [8]

Termination of Tenancy Rules for Tenants

 

  • Tenants who are on active military duty can terminate tenancy.
  • Tenants who can terminate lease if they are domestic violence victims. [9]
  • Tenants must submit the reports and any other documentation to back up claim.

tenancy-laws

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

  1. 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.
  2. AB 1482 (Just Cause and Rent Limit Addendum) (California Civil Code § 1946.2 & § 1947.12)
  3. Asbestos Disclosure (§ 25915 – § 25915.5) – If a property built before 1979 contains asbestos, landlords must notify tenants about its presence and location.
  4. 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.
  5. Carbon Monoxide Detector Compliance (HSC § 17926.10)– Landlords must install carbon monoxide detectors in all living units with fossil-fuel heaters or appliances.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Demolition (§ 1940.6) – If demolition is planned, tenants must be informed before signing the lease.
  10. Flood Hazard (§ 8589.45) – If a property is in a high-risk flood zone, landlords must include this information in the lease
  11. Megan’s Law (§ 2079.10(a))(meganslaw.ca.gov) – Tenants must be notified in writing about California’s online registry of sex offenders.
  12. Methamphetamine Contamination (§ 25400.45) – Landlords must disclose if the property has been contaminated by chemicals used in methamphetamine production.
  13. Mold (§ 26147) – If known harmful mold is present, landlords must notify tenants. If unaware of mold issues, landlords may provide a general disclosure form.
  14. Pest Control (§ 1940.8) – Landlords must provide tenants with a list of pesticides used if they have a contract with a pest control company. Failure to do so may result in fines of up to $2,500.
  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. Shared Utilities (§ 1940.9) – Landlords must explain how utilities are shared between units and common areas and disclose the method for dividing costs.
  18. Radon Gas Disclosures – Property Owners/Landord with up to four units must disclose any known environmental hazards, such as radon, formaldehyde, and mold. (California Civil Code Sec 1102 – 1102.18)
  19. Seismic safety or earthquake hazard zones disclosures – Lanlords 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)

landlord-tenant-disclosure-forms

California Civil Code: Maintenance and Repairs

Summary (California Civil Code § 1942(b)):

  • Landlords have 30 days to complete requested repairs after receiving reasonable notice from a tenant.

Emergency Situations

  • For emergencies or valid reasons, repairs can be requested sooner.

Utility Responsibilities in California for Vacation Home Rentals

Summary (oag.ca.gov):

  • 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.

utility-responsibilities

Pet Policies / Emotional Support Animals / Service Animals (By Law)

In California, rental pet policies follow the following rules by law in California 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.

California Pet Friendly Housing Act

Sources

  1. Statewide Rent Caps AB 1482
  2. California Courts
  3. CIV § 1950.5(f)
  4. California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)
  5. Fair Housing Act
  6. Civil Code § 1719
  7. § 1954
  8. California’s Statute of Frauds
  9. § 1946.7
  10. California Covid-19 Rent Relief Program

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.

pool-addendum

CA Apartment and Home Rentals: Short and Long Term Leases

California Rentals: Vacation/On the Beach Homes

California Fair Value Market Rents (FMR) 2025

Landlords Base Rent on Fair Market Rents by Unit

The FY 2025 Fair Market Rent (FMR) rates for California, showing rental costs for efficiency (studio) to four-bedroom units across metropolitan and local areas.

Metropolitan Areas

Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA HUD Metro FMR Area

  • Efficiency (Studio): $1,856 
  • One-Bedroom: $2,081
  • Two-Bedroom: $2,625
  • Three-Bedroom: $3,335
  • Four-Bedroom: $3,698

San Diego-Carlsbad, CA MSA

  • Efficiency (Studio): $2,145
  • One-Bedroom: $2,328
  • Two-Bedroom: $2,881
  • Three-Bedroom: $3,852
  • Four-Bedroom: $4,690

San Francisco, CA HUD Metro FMR Area

  • Efficiency (Studio): $2,275
  • One-Bedroom: $2,780
  • Two-Bedroom: $3,318
  • Three-Bedroom: $4,138
  • Four-Bedroom: $4,399

San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA HUD Metro FMR Area

  • Efficiency (Studio): $2,608
  • One-Bedroom: $2,975
  • Two-Bedroom: $3,446
  • Three-Bedroom: $4,477
  • Four-Bedroom: $4,878

Oakland-Fremont, CA HUD Metro FMR Area

  • Efficiency (Studio): $1,937
  • One-Bedroom: $2,201
  • Two-Bedroom: $2,682
  • Three-Bedroom: $3,432
  • Four-Bedroom: $4,077

Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, CA HUD Metro FMR Area (Orange County)

  • Efficiency (Studio): $2,352
  • One-Bedroom: $2,454
  • Two-Bedroom: $2,903
  • Three-Bedroom: $3,927
  • Four-Bedroom: $4,693

Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA HUD Metro FMR Area

  • Efficiency (Studio): $1,679
  • One-Bedroom: $1,777
  • Two-Bedroom: $2,206
  • Three-Bedroom: $2,992
  • Four-Bedroom: $3,455

Local Areas

Santa Cruz County

  • Efficiency (Studio): $3,056
  • One-Bedroom: $3,221
  • Two-Bedroom: $4,223
  • Three-Bedroom: $5,256
  • Four-Bedroom: $5,605

Lowest and Highest Rents

Lowest Rents in California By Unit

Modoc County
  • Efficiency (Studio): $731
  • One-Bedroom: $886
  • Two-Bedroom: $1,054
  • Three-Bedroom: $1,270
  • Four-Bedroom: $1,748
Siskiyou County
  • Efficiency (Studio): $924
  • One-Bedroom: $930
  • Two-Bedroom: $1,201
  • Three-Bedroom: $1,683
  • Four-Bedroom: $1,834
Colusa County
  • Efficiency (Studio): $915
  • One-Bedroom: $921
  • Two-Bedroom: $1,208
  • Three-Bedroom: $1,625
  • Four-Bedroom: $1,631
Trinity County
  • Efficiency (Studio): $777
  • One-Bedroom: $854
  • Two-Bedroom: $1,120
  • Three-Bedroom: $1,569
  • Four-Bedroom: $1,708
Lassen County
  • Efficiency (Studio): $819
  • One-Bedroom: $910
  • Two-Bedroom: $1,194
  • Three-Bedroom: $1,673
  • Four-Bedroom: $2,005

Highest  Rents in California By Unit

Rank Area for Efficiency (Studio) to 4-Bedroom Units
  1. Santa Cruz County: $3,056 – $5,605
  2. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara: $2,608 – $4,878
  3. San Francisco-San Mateo-Marin: $2,275 – $4,399
  4. Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine (Orange County): $2,352 – $4,693
  5. San Diego County: $2,145 – $4,690

Lease Inspection Report

Initial Inspection Report – A lease inspection report helps landlords check a rental property’s condition before, during, and after a lease. This report lists any damages, needed repairs, and security deposit deductions (if any). (CA Civil Code § 1950.5(f))

Why Use a Lease Inspection Report?

The lease inspection report allows the tenant to fix any issues before the final inspection.

California Wildfires 2025 🔥

  • Some listings in California may have been affected by the on-going California wildfires as many homes and properties are no longer available.

CA Fire and Frontline Wildfire Defense

FAQs

Why are Leases Written for 364 Days California?

To avoid making a the lease agreement a legal requirement to be in writing that is over one year.

Sample California Rental Lease Agreement Template