California Lease Agreements
Create a legally compliant California lease agreement that includes all state-required disclosures and clauses. Choose the document type that fits your rental situation, fill out the guided form, and download your professional PDF for $7.99.
Residential Lease Agreement
Standard fixed-term lease for houses, apartments, condos, and other residential properties.
Includes all California required disclosures and complies with California Civil Code.
Create Residential Lease AgreementMonth-to-Month Rental Agreement
Flexible agreement that auto-renews monthly. Ideal for short-term or indefinite tenancies.
30 days (60 days if tenant has lived there 1+ year) landlord notice and 30 days tenant notice required in California.
Create Month-to-Month Rental AgreementRoom Rental Agreement
Agreement for renting a single room in a shared house or apartment. Covers shared spaces and house rules.
Covers California-specific habitability and entry notice requirements (24 hours advance written notice required).
Create Room Rental AgreementSublease Agreement
Agreement for a tenant to sublet all or part of their rental to a new occupant.
Sublease rules in California typically require landlord written consent. Document includes consent clause.
Create Sublease AgreementCalifornia Lease Law Requirements Summary
California landlord-tenant law is governed by the California Civil Code (Cal. Civ. Code § 1940 et seq.) and AB 1482 Tenant Protection Act. Landlords must provide required disclosures including Lead-based paint (pre-1978, federal), Megan's Law database disclosure (Cal. Civ. Code § 2079.10a), Bed bug disclosure (Cal. Civ. Code § 1954.603), and more. Security deposits are capped at 1 month rent (as of July 1, 2024, AB 12) and must be returned within 21 days of tenancy termination. California has rent control laws in some jurisdictions: California AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act of 2019) imposes statewide rent control: rent increases capped at 5% + local CPI (max 10%) per year for covered units. Applies to buildings 15+ years old not otherwise exempt. Many cities (LA, SF, Oakland, etc.) have additional local rent control ordinances with stricter caps.. Our documents are designed to comply with California law and include all required provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a written lease agreement in California?
While oral agreements may be enforceable for short-term leases, California law strongly favors written lease agreements. A written lease protects both landlord and tenant by clearly documenting terms, responsibilities, and required disclosures under the California Civil Code. California requires landlords to include specific disclosures such as Lead-based paint (pre-1978, federal) and Megan's Law database disclosure (Cal. Civ. Code § 2079.10a), which must be in writing.
What are California's security deposit rules?
In California, the security deposit is capped at 1 month rent (as of July 1, 2024, AB 12). Landlords must return the deposit within 21 days after the tenancy ends. Interest on security deposits is not required. Deductions must be itemized in writing.
How much does a California lease agreement cost?
Each lease agreement costs $7.99. Choose your document type, fill in your details through our guided form, and download your completed, California-compliant PDF instantly. Re-download available for 5 days.
Does California limit annual rent increases?
Yes. Under AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act of 2019), most California rental units in buildings 15 or more years old are subject to a rent increase cap of 5% + local CPI, with a maximum of 10% per year. Single-family homes and condos are exempt if the owner provides proper notice. AB 1482 also requires just cause for eviction in covered units. Local cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland have additional, stricter rent control ordinances.
Create Your California Lease Agreement
State-specific clauses, required disclosures, and professional formatting included. Download your PDF instantly for $7.99.
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