California Lease Agreement Forms and Templates

Q: What are the typical types of California lease agreements?

The most common types include fixed-term leases, month-to-month rental agreements, sublease agreements, and commercial leases for business properties.

Q: What information must be included in a California lease agreement?

A comprehensive California rental agreement should include the property address, tenant and landlord names, rent details, lease term, security deposit terms, and California-specific disclosures like lead paint and mold disclosures.

Q: What is the difference between a lease and a rental agreement?

A lease is typically for a fixed term with consistent rent, while a rental agreement is usually month-to-month and more flexible with terms that can be adjusted with proper notice.

Q: Can a landlord change the rent during a lease term?

No, landlords cannot increase rent during a fixed-term lease unless stated in the agreement. For month-to-month leases, landlords may raise rent with proper notice—30 days if under 10%, or 60 days if over 10%.

Q: What happens if the tenant breaks the lease?

If a tenant breaks the lease, they may owe the remaining rent or an early termination fee. Landlords must make reasonable efforts to re-rent the property to reduce financial loss, as per California Civil Code §1951.2.

Q: How should a lease be renewed or terminated?

Fixed-term leases require a new agreement or addendum before expiration. Month-to-month leases require 30 days’ notice (tenancy under 1 year) or 60 days’ notice (tenancy over 1 year).

Q: Can a California lease agreement be modified after it’s signed?

Yes, but only with written agreement from both parties. Modifications must be formalized in a signed and dated lease addendum.

California Lease Agreement

California Lease Agreement forms are used by California landlords and California property management companies when leasing residential property in California. The California Lease Agreement is a legal document which can be used in a court of law if there is a breach in contract by either party, so it is important to make sure your California Lease Agreement complies with all the Landlord Tenant laws in California.

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About California Lease Agreement - What should it include?

SimplifyEm landlords and tenants discussing California lease agreement terms

The California Lease Agreement – also known as the California Residential Lease or California Rental Agreement – is one of the most important forms you will ever use in property management. The California Lease Contract must include the address of the rental property, names of the tenants who will be living there, how much rent they will be paying, and the duration of the lease agreement. It should also include details regarding the security deposit, remedies for damages or late payments, and other terms and conditions that will govern the lease agreement.

Address of the Rental Property - Full legal address and unit description
Tenant and Landlord Names - Full legal names of all involved parties
Rent Details - Amount, due date, payment method, and late fee policies
Lease Duration - Start and end dates, renewal terms, and termination clauses
Security Deposit Information - Amount, refund policy, and conditions for deductions
Other Terms and Conditions - Rules regarding pets, maintenance responsibilities, and occupancy limits

California Lease Agreement - What are the specific rental laws?

SimplifyEm guide to California rental laws and lease agreements

If this is your first time using the California Lease Agreement, you may want to check out the Department of Housing and Urban Department website to learn more about California tenant rights, laws and protections. Federal law requires the California Lease Agreement to include a disclosure for lead paint if the property was built before 1978. Most states also require the Landlord to disclose the existence of mold or hazardous materials on the premises. Each state has different laws, and California has some very specific rules regarding security deposits, rent withholding, lease termination, and disclosures. You can read California Tenants - A Guide to Residential Tenant's and Landlords' Rights and Responsibilities to become familiar with the most important factors that must be incorporated onto the California Lease Agreement form. You may also want to read You may to read California Civil Code Section 1940 to learn more about the specific laws that may affect you.

California Lease Agreement - What else should I know?

Create your California lease agreement with SimplifyEm's online template

The California Rental Application form can be used to screen prospective tenants before filling out the California Lease Agreement. Also the California Rental Credit Check form can be used to get authorization from the tenant to conduct a credit check. If you need help with selecting the right tenants, SimplifyEm's tenant screening solution makes it easy for California landlords and property managers to get leasing recommendations, credit reports, and criminal history for each tenant.

Key Terms & Provisions

A California Lease Agreement should clearly outline the key terms and provisions that govern the rental arrangement. These terms help establish expectations for both landlords and tenants, ensuring compliance with California landlord-tenant laws while minimizing potential disputes. Below are the essential sections that should be included :

Address of the Rental Property - Full legal address and unit description
Rent Amount and Payment Schedule – Define the agreed-upon rent, due dates, accepted payment methods, and any applicable late fees.
Security Deposit Details – Specify the maximum allowable deposit, refund conditions, and legal requirements for handling security deposits under California Landlord Tenant law.
Maintenance and Repairs – Outline responsibilities for property upkeep, repair request procedures, and landlord obligations for habitability.
Rules and Regulations – Cover important policies such as occupancy limits, pet restrictions, noise rules, and other tenant obligations.

Why California Landlords & Property Managers Choose SimplifyEm Lease Agreement Template?

Why California landlords choose SimplifyEm lease agreement templates

We understand the challenges of managing rental properties in California. Our California Lease Agreement template is designed to simplify the process while ensuring compliance with state laws. Here’s why landlords and property managers trust our lease agreement :

Legally Compliant – Our template is updated to reflect California’s latest landlord-tenant laws, helping you avoid legal pitfalls.

Comprehensive & Customizable – Covers essential terms like rent, security deposits, maintenance responsibilities, and eviction policies, while allowing you to tailor it to your specific needs.

Time-Saving & Easy to Use – No need to draft a lease from scratch—our ready-to-use format makes it quick and hassle-free.

Protects Both Landlords & Tenants – Clear terms help prevent disputes and ensure a smooth rental experience for both parties.

Trusted by Property Owners Nationwide – Backed by SimplifyEm, a leading name in property management solutions.

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Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

What is a California lease agreement?

A California lease agreement is a legally binding contract between a landlord and tenant that outlines the rental terms, including rent amount, lease duration, tenant responsibilities, and landlord obligations. It must comply with California landlord-tenant laws to be enforceable

What are the typical types of California lease agreements?

The most common types of California lease agreements include:

* Fixed-Term Lease: A rental contract for a specific period (e.g., 12 months).
* Month-to-Month Rental Agreement: A short-term lease that automatically renews each month.
* Sublease Agreement: A lease where the original tenant rents out the property to another tenant.
* Commercial Lease: A contract for leasing commercial properties, such as office spaces or storefronts.

What information must be included in a California lease agreement?

A comprehensive California rental agreement should include:

Property Address: Full legal address and unit details.
Tenant and Landlord Names: Legal names of all involved parties.
Rent Details: Monthly rent amount, due date, payment methods, and late fee policies.
Lease Term: Start and end dates, plus renewal and termination conditions.
Security Deposit Terms: Deposit amount, refund policy, and deductions.
California-Specific Disclosures: Such as lead-based paint disclosures (for properties built before 1978) and mold disclosures.

What is the difference between a lease and a rental agreement?

The main difference is the duration and flexibility:

Lease Agreement: Typically for a fixed term (e.g., 12 months), with rent fixed for the entire term.
Rental Agreement: Usually month-to-month, with terms that can be adjusted with proper notice.

Can a landlord change the rent during a lease term?

No, under California rental laws, landlords cannot increase rent during a fixed-term lease unless explicitly allowed in the lease agreement. However, for month-to-month agreements, landlords can increase rent with proper written notice:

30 days' notice if the increase is less than 10%.
60 days' notice if the increase is more than 10

What happens if the tenant breaks the lease?

If a tenant breaks the lease:

Financial Responsibility: The tenant may be liable for rent for the remainder of the lease or an early termination fee.
Landlord’s Duty to Re-Rent: Under California Civil Code §1951.2, landlords must make reasonable efforts to find a new tenant to minimize losses.

How should a lease be renewed or terminated?

Lease renewal or termination depends on the type of lease:

* Fixed-Term Lease: Requires a new agreement or renewal addendum before expiration.
* Month-to-Month Lease: Requires proper written notice:
* 30 days' notice for tenants renting for less than one year.
* 60 days' notice for tenants renting for more than one year.

Can a California lease agreement be modified after it’s signed?

Yes, a California lease agreement can be modified after signing, but only if:

Both landlord and tenant agree to the changes.
Modifications are documented in writing as a formal addendum to the original lease.
The addendum is signed and dated by both parties.

Pro tip for Property Managers and Landlords

Always use a customizable California Lease Agreement template to ensure compliance with California Landlord Tenant law and simplify modifications or renewals.

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About California Lease Agreement - What should it include?

California Lease Agreement - What are the specific rental laws?