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]


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: ___________

Right to Sublet

A tenant can sublet the rental property unless the lease explicitly forbids it to. [1]

If subletting is restricted, the tenant must get the landlord’s permission using a Landlord Consent Form.

Unclear or “Ambiguous” Language

It will be ruled in Tenants favor if there the lease is unclear on subletting rules. [2]

Short-Term (Lodgings) Tax

  • Tenants must pay the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) if they sublet a property for less than 30 days. [3]
  • This tax is collected by cities and counties (not the state).
  • The California State Controller provides TOT data.


Sample California Sublease Agreement Template

CALIFORNIA SUBLEASE AGREEMENT

1. THE PARTIES.

This Sublease Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into on
__________________, by and between:
Tenant: __________________, with a mailing address of
____________________________________, who agrees to sublet to:
Subtenant: __________________, with a mailing address that is the same
as the property address. The Subtenant agrees to pay rent to the Tenant
in exchange for occupying the property.
Occupant(s): ____________________________________. An occupant
is a friend or family member allowed to reside on the property.

2. PROPERTY.

Address: ____________________________________
Type: ☐ Apartment House Condo Other: __________________
Bedroom(s): ____ Bathroom(s): ____

3. LEASE PERIOD.

Start Date: __________________
End Date: __________________
The Subtenant is permitted to occupy the property on the start date and must
vacate and return possession by midnight on the end date.

4. RENT.

The Subtenant agrees to pay the following:
Monthly Rent: $________
Due Date: ____ day of each month
Payment Instructions: ____________________________________.

5. FURNITURE. (check one)

– Property is Not Furnished.
– Property is Furnished. The property is furnished with the following items:

6. APPLIANCES. (check one)

– Property Has No Appliances.
– Property Has Appliances: (check all that apply)
– Air Conditioner(s)
– Dishwasher
– Microwave
– Refrigerator
– Stove/Oven
– Washing Machine & Dryer (for laundry)
– Other. ____________________________________.

7. SECURITY DEPOSIT. (check one)

– No Security Deposit.
– Security Deposit Required. $________ must be paid by the Subtenant at
the execution of this Agreement. The security deposit shall be returned to the
Subtenant within the return period required under Governing Law. Any damages
or losses caused by the Subtenant may be deducted from the security deposit. If
any deductions are made, an itemized list describing each deduction shall be
provided.

8. MOVE-IN INSPECTION. (check one)

– No Move-In Inspection.
– Move-In Inspection Required. Both the Tenant and Subtenant must complete a move-in inspection within 5 days from the start of the lease period. The inspection describes the property’s condition before move-in and must also be completed after the end of the lease period, which determines any damages caused by the Subtenant.

9. PRE-PAYMENT OF RENT. (check one)

– No Pre-Payment of Rent is Required.
– Pre-Payment of Rent is Required.
Pre-Payment Amount: $________
Pre-Payment Period:
Start Date:__________________
End Date:__________________

10. LATE RENT. If the Subtenant pays rent late, there is: (check one)

– No Late Fee.
– Late Fee: (check one)
– Fixed Amount. $________ for each ☐ occurrence ☐ day rent is late.
– Interest.____% per annum.

11. UTILITIES & SERVICES. (check one)

– Tenant Pays None. All utilities and services are paid by the Subtenant.
– Tenant Pays for Some. Tenant pays for:___________________________.
All other utilities and services shall be paid by the Subtenant.
– Tenant Pays for All. All utilities and services that are currently provided to
the property shall be paid by the Tenant.

12. PARKING. (check one)

– No Parking Provided.
– Parking is Provided.

____ parking space(s) provided with: (check one)
– No Fee.
– Fee (describe). ____________________________________.

13. PETS. (check one)

– No Pets Allowed.
– Pets are Allowed.
Number of Pets: ____
Types: ____________________________________.
Maximum Weight (per pet): ____ Pounds
Deposit (for all pets): $________
refundable non-refundable
14. SMOKING POLICY. (check one)
– Smoking is Not Allowed. Smoking is not allowed on the property.
– Smoking is Allowed: (check one)
– In All Areas.
– Specific Areas:____________________________________
15. LANDLORD’S CONSENT. (check one)
– Tenant Has Consent. The Tenant has consent from the landlord to sublet
the property.
– Tenant Does Not Have Consent. The Tenant does not have consent from
the landlord to sublet the property. However, upon executing this Agreement, the
Tenant agrees to request consent from the landlord. If written consent is not
obtained from the landlord within five (5) days, this Agreement shall terminate
within any money paid to the Tenant to be refunded.

16. NOTICES. If notice is sent by either party, it shall be sent to:

Tenant. (check one)
– The address mentioned in Section 1.
– ____________________________________.

Subtenant. (check one)
– The address of the property.
-____________________________________.

17. SUBLETTING. (check one)

– No Subletting Allowed. The Subtenant is not allowed to sublet the property
unless written consent is granted by the Tenant.
– Subletting is Allowed. The Subtenant is allowed to sublet the property.

18. LEAD-BASED PAINT. (check one)

– No Lead-Based Paint. The property was constructed after January 1, 1978;
therefore, no lead-based paint or hazard disclosures are required.
– Lead-Based Paint Disclosures. The property was constructed before
January 1, 1978; therefore, the Tenant must provide a lead-based paint or
hazards disclosure and the “Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home”
brochure provided by the EPA.

19. LIABILITY.

The Subtenant agrees to surrender and deliver to the Tenant the
property, including all furniture, appliances, and decorations within the property,
in the same condition as they were at the beginning of the lease period, with
reasonable wear and tear excepted. The Subtenant is liable to the Tenant for any
damages occurring to the property, either by deducting from the security deposit
or billing separately. All actions conducted by any guests of the Subtenant are
the responsibility and liability of the Subtenant.

20. GUESTS.

There is no other person(s) living on the property other than the Subtenant and the Occupant(s). Guests of the Subtenant are allowed for periods not lasting for more than forty-eight (48) hours unless otherwise approved by the Tenant.

21. MASTER LEASE.

This Agreement must follow and is subject to the original lease agreement between the Tenant and landlord, a copy of which has been attached and is hereby referred to and incorporated as if it were set out here at length (“Master Lease”). The Subtenant agrees to assume all of the obligations and responsibilities of the Tenant under the Master Lease for the duration of the Agreement. All disclosures and statements required by the state and listed in theMaster Lease are made part of this Agreement and, when attached, will be considered disclosed to the Subtenant in accordance with state and local laws.

22. DISPUTES.

If a dispute arises during or after the term of this Agreement between the Tenant and Subtenant, they agree to negotiate amongst themselves before any litigation, arbitration, or mediation.

23. WRITTEN AGREEMENT.

This Agreement constitutes the sole agreement between the Tenant and Subtenant with no additions, deletions, or modifications that may be accomplished without the written consent of both parties. Any oral representations made at the time of executing this lease are not legally valid and, therefore, are not binding upon either party.

24. GOVERNING LAW.

This Agreement is bound to the laws in the jurisdiction where the property is located.

25. ADDITIONAL TERMS & CONDITIONS.

________________________________________________________.

26. SEVERABILITY.

If any term, covenant, condition, or provision of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void, or unenforceable, the remainder of the provisions will remain in full force and effect and in no way be affected, impaired, or invalidated.

27. ENTIRE AGREEMENT.

This Agreement contains the entire agreement of all parties on these matters, superseding any previous agreement between them.

Tenant Signature:______________________________ Date:___________
Print Name:______________________________
Subtenant Signature:______________________________ Date:___________
Print Name:______________________________
Subtenant Signature:______________________________ Date: ___________
Print Name: ______________________________


CA Leasing Laws


Sample California Rent-to-Own Lease Agreement Template

PDF | Word

CALIFORNIA LEASE TO PURCHASE OPTION AGREEMENT

This agreement is between [Seller/Landlord] and [Buyer/Tenant], signed on [date], regarding the property at [address] in , [county, state]. It outlines the terms for renting with the option to buy.

Rent: Monthly rent: $ [amount], due on the [day] each month.

Security deposit: $ [amount] (refundable upon lease end if terms are met).

Utilities:

Tenant covers: [list utilities, e.g., water, electricity].
Landlord covers: [list utilities].
Interruptions to services are not grounds for tenant claims.

Tenant Responsibilities:
Return property in current condition (normal wear allowed).
No subleasing, alterations, or hazardous activities without approval. Comply with all laws.
No pets allowed.

Option to Purchase:

Starts: [date], Ends: [date].

Buyer must notify seller in writing and propose a closing date.

Option Fee: Non-refundable fee: $ [amount]. Credited toward purchase price at closing if terms are met.

Purchase Price: Total price: $ [amount]. Partial rent payments may be credited. Closing:

Buyer handles all closing costs except prorated property taxes. Financing:
Buyer is responsible for securing financing; the seller makes no guarantees. Defaults:
Breach of this agreement or the lease results in forfeiting option rights and fees.

Other Terms:

This option is exclusive and non-transferable. No commissions will be paid.
Agreement is governed by the laws of [state], disputes in [county, state].

Signatures:

All parties sign below to acknowledge and agree to these terms.

Seller/Landlord: ___________________________________

Date: ___________________________________

Buyer/Tenant: ___________________________________

Date: ___________________________________

Witness/Agent: ___________________________________

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]

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

A California lease agreement is legally binding between the Landlord and Tenant(s). It outlines the terms and conditions of the lease including both parties’ responsibilities. This written agreement lasts until the lease end date.

Rental Application – This form should be used to verify the credibility of Tenant(s) before signing  the lease agreement.

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: PDFWord (.docx)
 

Sublease-Agreement

Sublease Agreement – Used to Sublet unit with landlords approval.

Download: PDF | Word (.docx)

California Association of Realtors Residential Lease Agreement – PDF


Most Recent US Home Facts

  • Population (2023): 334,914,895
  • Median Households (2022): 125,736,353
  • Median Household Income (2022): $75,149
  • Owner-occupied Households (2022): 64.8%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Must Include the Following in the Agreement Form

Disclosures

AB 1482 Just Cause and Rent Limit Addendum (CIV 1946.2(e))  – AB 1482 is a California law that went into effect on Jan. 1, 2020. It limits rent increases and requires landlords to have “just cause” for terminating a tenancy. For any tenancy starting after July 1, 2020, landlords must provide a written notice with a statement about the rent increase limit. Additionally, landlords must provide a statement of cause in any notice to terminate a tenancy if tenants have continuously and lawfully occupied the property for 12 months or more.

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure – Owners of housing units built before 1978 must inform tenants of potential lead paint hazards.

Notice in Question – All lessees residing on a given property must sign on the notice in question. For a detailed explanation of the requisite procedure (§ 1946.2).

Bedbug Disclosure (CIV § 1942.5(a)(1)) – Landlords must provide a Bedbug Addendum to confirm the absence of bed bugs in the property. The tenant must read and sign the document, agreeing not to transport the insects.

Demolition (CIV § 1940.6) – Landlords must inform tenants of impending demolition before accepting a rental contract or deposit, if they have received permission from their respective municipal office to demolish a residential unit.

Death (CIV § 1710.2)– In accordance with California law, landlords are obligated to disclose whether a death has occurred on the property within the past three years to prospective tenants, with the exception of deaths stemming from HIV. This information must be provided in a clear and transparent manner to ensure that potential tenants are fully informed of any relevant circumstances that may impact their decision to rent the property.

Flood Hazard (GOV § 8589.45)– As of July 1, 2018, it is mandatory for landlords to disclose if the rental property is located in a flood hazard area, as per the Government Code Section 8589.45. The landlord is required to inform the tenant whether the property is in a flood hazard area or not.

Megan’s Law Disclosure (CIV § 2079.10a) – Disclosure is required to be included in every residential contract in California. A copy of the disclosure can be accessed in PDF, MS Word, or ODT format.

Mold Disclosure (HSC § 26147) – It is a legal requirement to provide tenants with a mold disclosure document as an attachment to the lease agreement. This document serves to inform tenants of any known mold issues present in the rental property. It is important to comply with this regulation to ensure that tenants are fully aware of any potential health hazards and to maintain a safe and healthy living environment. As such, landlords and property managers must include this disclosure as part of their leasing process.

Ordnance Locations (CIV § 1940.7(b)) – Before signing a rental agreement, the landlord of a residential dwelling unit must inform the prospective tenant in writing if they are aware of any former federal or state ordnance locations in the neighborhood area.

Pest Control (GOV § 1099) – In accordance with GOV § 1099, it is required that if remediation has been performed, the tenant must be provided with a pest inspection report. This report serves as evidence that proper measures have been taken to address any pest-related issues within the property. It is important for both the tenant and the landlord to adhere to this regulation in order to maintain a safe and healthy living environment.

Shared Utilities (CIV § 1940.9) – In instances where an electrical or gas meter is shared, it is incumbent upon the rental agreement to specify the manner in which the utilities will be allocated between the respective parties. This is in accordance with the provisions of Civil Code § 1940.9.

Smoking Policy Disclosure (CIV § 1947.5) – Landlords are obligated to exhibit a smoking policy that explicitly outlines the areas where smoking is permitted, which includes common spaces. This policy is a requisite that landlords must adhere to, and it is imperative that they conspicuously display it in their premises.

Methamphetamine or Fentanyl Contamination Disclosure (HSC § 25400.28) – According to the law, landlords are obligated to provide written notice to all prospective tenants if the rental property has been found contaminated or is undergoing remediation. The landlord is also required to provide the potential tenant with a copy of the related order.

 

Security Deposit

  • Maximum (§ 1950.5(c)(1)) If the rental is furnished, the landlord may require up to three months’ rent as a security deposit. If it’s unfurnished, the landlord may require up to two months’ rent.
  • Returning (§ 1950.5(g)(1)) The landlord must return the tenant’s deposit within 21 days, accompanied by an itemized statement of any deductions.

Landlord Access

In order to give a Right to Enter Notice, you can do one of the following things:

  • Personally deliver it to the tenant.
  • Leave it with someone who is old enough to receive it on the property.
  • Leave it on, near, or under the usual entry door of the premises in a way that a reasonable person would find it.
  • If you mail the notice at least six days before the intended entry, it is considered reasonable notice unless there is evidence to the contrary.

Source: CIV § 1954(d)

 

What state laws do Landlords need to know when renting out property in California?

  • Landlord-Tenant Laws
  • Fair Housing Laws
  • Property Maintenance and Safety Codes
  • Security Deposit Laws
  • Notice Requirements for Entry
  • Notice Requirement Terminating Tenancy
  • Rental Control and Stabilization
  • Tenant Privacy Rights
  • Local Regulations

California Real Estate Commission

For any other questions you may have, refer to the California Department of Real Estate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is California an at will state?

Yes, except for termination due to discrimination or retaliation.

How to pay California state taxes?

Pay online through California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) website.

What is the deadline to file California state taxes?

April 15th.

Is California a no fault divorce state?

Yes.

Is a DUI a felony in the state of California?

Yes, depending on the circumstances (injury or death).

What is the minimum wage in California?

$15 for 26 or more employees and $14 for 25 and fewer employees.


CA Apartment and Home Rentals: Short and Long Term Leases

California Rentals: Vacation/On the Beach Homes

Some listings may have been affected by the California wildfires as many homes and properties are no longer available. Cal Fire (fire.ca.gov) and Frontline Wildfire Defense (frontlinewildfire.com) share the most current and updated emergency incidents in California.


Sample California 1-Page Lease Agreement PDF

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: PDFWord (.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

Next →

 

The California Bill of Sale form provides protection to both the buyer and seller in the event of any future legal disputes surrounding the condition or ownership of the item. This form records the transaction in writing.



By Type 


California Registration Documents (Required)

  • Odometer Disclosure Statement

Source: California DMV

What to Include in a California Bill of Sale?

  • The buyer’s name + address
  • The seller’s name + address
  • The vehicle/car description (make, model, year, + body style)
  • The car’s vehicle identification number (VIN)
  • The sale date
  • Transaction details (purchase: price, trade, and/or gift)
  • The warranty information (sold “as-is”)
  • The Odometer Disclosure
  • The Federal Law, 49 U.S. Code § 32705, requires a bill of sale to include a verifying statement about the vehicle’s mileage. Vehicles greater than ten years old and over 16,000 pounds are exempt.

California Bill of Sale Preview Example

generic-bill-of-sale-preview-sample-example

Sample:

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 →

When filling out the California Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Form, Both the buyer and seller need to provide contact information, item price, and their signatures to indicate agreement to the contract terms. Both parties should keep a copy of the form as a receipt for the transaction. Must include the Odometer Disclosure Statement Form.

Vehicle Registration Requirements in California

Timeline for registration

  • New owners purchasing through private-party transaction: 10 days
  • New residents transferring vehicles from another state: 20 days

Renewal process

Methods of Registering a Vehicle in California:

  • In-person registration at a California DMV field office
  • Mail-in registration with required documentation.

Mail to the following address:

Department of Motor Vehicles
PO Box 942869
Sacramento, CA 94269-0001

California Motor Vehicle/Car Bill of Sale Form Sample

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