Rental Agreement Template for California

RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENT (CALIFORNIA)

Document Control

• Effective Date: [Date]
• Version: 2024.1-CA
• Jurisdiction: State of California
• Scope: Residential Tenancy

---

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

NOTICE: This document is a template provided for informational purposes by legal counsel. It constitutes a baseline framework under California law (Civ. Code § 1940 et seq.). Because local ordinances (e.g., rent control, just-cause eviction protections) vary significantly by municipality, this document must be reviewed by local counsel to ensure compliance with city-specific statutes. Use of this template does not establish an attorney-client relationship.

---

1. PARTIES AND PREMISES

This Lease is entered into between [Landlord Name] ("Landlord") and [Tenant Name(s)] ("Tenant"). Premises: The real property located at [Full Address, Unit Number, City, State, Zip].

2. TERM

The term shall commence on [Start Date] and expire on [End Date]. Upon expiration, this tenancy shall convert to a month-to-month tenancy unless terminated by either party with proper statutory notice.

3. RENT AND SECURITY DEPOSIT

• Rent: Tenant shall pay $[Amount] per month, due on the 1st day of each month via [Payment Method].
• Security Deposit: Tenant shall pay $[Amount] (Not to exceed 1x monthly rent for unfurnished units, per AB 12).
• Late Fee: If rent is not received by [Date], a late fee of $[Amount] shall be assessed.

4. USE AND OCCUPANCY

The Premises shall be used exclusively as a private residence. Occupancy is limited to the individuals listed in Section 1. Unauthorized sub-letting or assignment is strictly prohibited without Landlord’s prior written consent.

5. MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS

Tenant shall maintain the Premises in a clean and sanitary condition. Tenant is responsible for damage caused by misuse or negligence. Landlord shall maintain the structural integrity and habitability of the Premises per California Civil Code § 1941.1.

6. RIGHT OF ENTRY

Landlord may enter the Premises only for the purposes allowed under Cal. Civ. Code § 1954, provided Landlord gives Tenant at least 24 hours’ written notice, except in cases of emergency.

7. DISCLOSURES (MANDATORY)

• Lead-Based Paint: (If built before 1978) Attached as Exhibit A.
• Bed Bug Disclosure: Tenant acknowledges receipt of Bed Bug Information (Civ. Code § 1954.603).
• Flood Hazard/Death: Disclosure of known flood hazards or deaths on property within the last 3 years (if applicable).

8. DEFAULT AND TERMINATION

Failure to comply with any term of this Agreement constitutes a material breach. Landlord may issue a 3-Day Notice to Pay or Quit or a 3-Day Notice to Perform Covenants or Quit, as applicable under California law.

---

EXECUTION BLOCK

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

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

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

---

STEP-BY-STEP EXECUTION GUIDE

1. Compliance Verification: Before signing, verify if the property is subject to the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482). If so, provide the required "Just Cause" and "Rent Ceiling" addenda.
2. Move-In Inspection: Complete a move-in/move-out checklist noting the condition of all fixtures and walls. Both parties must sign and date the checklist; retain as evidence for security deposit deductions.
3. Mandatory Disclosures: Append all legally required California disclosures (e.g., Megan’s Law database notice, Lead-Based Paint, Bed Bug Disclosure) to this agreement.
4. Counterpart Execution: Ensure every adult occupant (18+) signs the document. Provide each signatory with a fully executed copy within 15 days of execution per Cal. Civ. Code § 1962.