Lease Agreement Template for California

RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENT (CALIFORNIA)

Document Control

• Effective Date: [Date]
• Version: 2024.1
• Jurisdiction: State of California (Civil Code §§ 1940–1954.1)

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

NOTICE: This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. California landlord-tenant law is subject to local rent control ordinances (e.g., AB 1482), health codes, and specific municipal mandates. Consult with local legal counsel to ensure compliance with city-specific ordinances before execution.

1. PARTIES AND PREMISES

This Lease is entered into by and between [Landlord Full Legal Name] ("Landlord") and [Tenant Full Legal Name] ("Tenant"). Premises: The property located at [Full Street Address, Unit #, City, State, Zip Code] ("Premises").

2. TERM

The term shall commence on [Start Date] and shall terminate on [End Date]. Upon expiration, this Lease shall [ ] convert to month-to-month / [ ] terminate automatically.

3. RENT AND DEPOSITS

• Monthly Rent: $[Amount] due on the [Day] of each month.
• Security Deposit: $[Amount] (Must not exceed 1 month’s rent for unfurnished, 2 months’ for furnished, per CA law).
• Late Fee: $[Amount] if rent is unpaid by the [Day] day of the month.

4. OPERATIVE CLAUSES

1. Use: Premises shall be used exclusively as a private residence.
2. Maintenance: Tenant shall maintain the Premises in a clean, sanitary condition. Landlord shall maintain structural integrity and essential services per CA Civil Code § 1941.1.
3. Right of Entry: Landlord shall provide 24-hour written notice prior to entry, except in cases of emergency, pursuant to CA Civil Code § 1954.
4. Alterations: No structural changes, painting, or modifications without prior written consent from Landlord.
5. Subletting: Tenant shall not sublease or assign the Premises without express written permission from Landlord.
6. Disclosures: Landlord discloses the presence of [ ] Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978) / [ ] Bed Bugs / [ ] Mold / [ ] None.
7. Default: Failure to pay rent within [Number] days of notice shall constitute a material breach, subject to Unlawful Detainer proceedings.

5. GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTES

This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of California. Any disputes shall be resolved in the Superior Court of the County of [County Name].

6. SIGNATURES

The parties hereby execute this Agreement as of the date first written above.

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

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

STEP-BY-STEP EXECUTION GUIDE

• Step 1: Mandatory Disclosures: Attach the California Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (if built before 1978) and the Bed Bug Disclosure (required by CA Civil Code § 1942.5).
• Step 2: Property Inspection: Conduct a joint move-in walkthrough. Document existing damage with time-stamped photographs and a signed Move-In Inspection Checklist. This is your primary defense against security deposit disputes.
• Step 3: Execution: Ensure every adult occupant signs the lease. Provide a physical or electronic copy to all parties within 15 days of signing.
• Step 4: Statutory Notice: Ensure the Security Deposit is held in a segregated account and notice of where funds are kept is provided, if required by local ordinance.