Lease Agreement Template California PDF

RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENT (CALIFORNIA)

Document Control

• Effective Date: [Date]
• Version: 2024.1-CA
• Jurisdiction: State of California (Governed by CA Civil Code § 1940 et seq.)

1. LEGAL DISCLAIMER

NOTICE: This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal advice. Lease agreements are subject to localized municipal ordinances (rent control, eviction moratoria). Parties are advised to consult with qualified legal counsel in the applicable California jurisdiction prior to execution to ensure compliance with current statutory requirements.

2. PARTIES & PREMISES

This Agreement is entered into by and between:

• Landlord: [Full Legal Name of Landlord/Entity] ("Landlord")
• Tenant(s): [Full Legal Name of Tenant 1], [Full Legal Name of Tenant 2] ("Tenant")

Premises: [Full Property Address including Unit #, City, State, Zip Code]

3. OPERATIVE CLAUSES

3.1 TERM: The term shall commence on [Start Date] and terminate on [End Date]. Upon expiration, this Agreement shall convert to a month-to-month tenancy unless otherwise agreed in writing.

3.2 RENT: Tenant shall pay a monthly rent of $[Amount] due on the [Day] of each month. Payment shall be made via [Method: e.g., ACH/Check/Portal] to [Payee Name].

3.3 SECURITY DEPOSIT: Tenant shall deposit $[Amount] as security. Per CA Civil Code § 1950.5, this amount shall be returned (less itemized deductions for damages/unpaid rent) within 21 days after vacating.

3.4 UTILITIES: Tenant is responsible for [List Utilities, e.g., Gas, Electric, Water]. Landlord is responsible for [List Utilities].

3.5 MAINTENANCE: Tenant shall maintain the premises in a clean and sanitary condition. Landlord shall perform repairs as required by the Implied Warranty of Habitability (CA Civil Code § 1941).

3.6 ENTRY: Landlord shall provide at least 24 hours' written notice prior to entering the premises, except in cases of emergency or abandonment (CA Civil Code § 1954).

3.7 DISCLOSURES:

• Lead-Based Paint: Required for buildings constructed pre-1978.
• Bed Bug Disclosure: Tenant acknowledges receipt of Bed Bug Information (CA Civil Code § 1954.603).
• Megan’s Law: Premises are subject to the database of registered sex offenders.

4. SIGNATURES & ACKNOWLEDGMENT

By signing below, the parties represent they have read, understood, and agreed to the terms herein.

Landlord: Signature: __________________________ Date: [Date] Printed Name: [Name]

Tenant(s): Signature: __________________________ Date: [Date] Printed Name: [Name]

Signature: __________________________ Date: [Date] Printed Name: [Name]

5. EXECUTION GUIDE

• Document Finalization: Fill all bracketed fields. Ensure all occupants over 18 years of age sign the document to ensure joint and several liability.
• Required Disclosures: Attach the California-mandated Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (if applicable) and the Bed Bug Disclosure as addenda; these are not optional under CA state law.
• Security Deposit Accounting: Within 21 days of move-out, you must provide the tenant with an itemized statement detailing any deductions from the security deposit, accompanied by copies of invoices/receipts if deductions exceed $125.
• Record Retention: Store a digital, encrypted copy of the signed PDF in your permanent business records for a minimum of 4 years post-tenancy to mitigate risk in potential litigation or tax audits.