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Lease Agreement Template California

Image 1

Prepared for:

​[Tenant.FirstName][Tenant.LastName]​

​[Tenant.Company]​

​Created by:

​[Landlord.FirstName][Landlord.LastName]

​[Landlord.Company]​

This California lease agreement template is a comprehensive document that states the terms of renting in California. Use this free form sample to detail the payments, security deposit, move-in date, and lease terms. It also covers the responsibilities of both parties, including maintenance, obligations, and the process for resolving disputes.

Property: (Property.Name)

Address: (Property.Street) (Property.City) (Property.State) (Property.Zip)

This Agreement was entered into on the (insert day) day of (insert month), (insert year) by and between [Landlord.FirstName][Landlord.LastName] ("Owner"), and [Tenant.FirstName][Tenant.LastName] ("Tenant").

It establishes the terms and conditions under which the parties will share ownership of the property located at [Landlord.StreetAddress], [Landlord.City], [Landlord.PostalCode].

Our lease agreement for the California template ensures compliance and proper documentation with a designated section for recording the conditions of the security deposit according to California state’s requirements. You can customize the template clauses as needed.

1. Acknowledgment

This lease agreement is between [Landlord.FirstName][Landlord.LastName] (Landlord) and [Tenant.FirstName][Tenant.LastName] (Tenant), both referred to as the “parties.” The Agreement is binding and enforceable under California law. The lease term begins on (START DAY) and ends on (END DATE). Unless they terminate it earlier or if the agreeing parties extend the lease agreement in writing.

2. Payment of Rent

Tenant agrees to pay rent of $ (RENT AMOUNT) per month by the (DUE DATE) of each month. Late payments will incur a late fee of $ (FEE AMOUNT) per day until paid in full. The Tenant should pay rent through (PAYMENT METHOD) unless both sides reach a different agreement in writing.

Landlords can only charge up to two months’ rent as a security deposit in a California residential lease agreement for an unfurnished property. For a furnished property they can claim up to three months’ rent.

3. Security Deposit

Upon signing this agreement, the Tenant agrees to pay a security deposit of $ (DEPOSIT AMOUNT) to the Landlord. Landlords may set a security deposit of two months of rent for an unfurnished property, or three months of rent for a furnished property.

The landlord will hold the security deposit until the tenant has moved out and returned the property in good condition. Landlord will return the security deposit, less any deductions, after an inspection visit within 21 days after the lease term.

Use of Premises

Tenant agrees to use the premises at (ADDRESS) only for residential purposes. The Tenant agrees to obey all laws, regulations, and building codes. They will not engage in any criminal activity on the premises or disturb other Tenants.

4. Alterations and Improvements

The Tenant will not make any alterations or improvements to the premises without Landlord's written approval. At the end of this lease, any improvements the Tenant makes to the property will become the Landlords.

5. Utilities and Services

The Tenant will be responsible for arranging and paying for all utilities and services required for the Premises.

The Landlord will provide: (list services provided by Landlord).

The Tenant will not cause any interruption or alteration to the utilities and services the Landlord offers without prior written consent.

Specify the insurance requirements for the Tenant during the lease term. This includes obtaining renter’s insurance for personal property loss, personal liability, and other risks associated with their occupancy of the Premises.

6. Insurance

At their own expense, the Tenant will get and maintain a renter's insurance policy with a reputable company. This policy will cover personal property loss, personal liability, and any other risks associated with the Tenant's occupancy of the Premises. The Tenant will provide the Landlord with proof of insurance upon request and keep the policy in effect throughout the Lease term.

7. Entry and Inspection

Landlord may inspect repairs or improvements, show the premises to prospective Tenants or buyers, or make necessary repairs. The Landlord will provide the Tenant with reasonable notice before entering unless it is an emergency.

8. Termination

Either party may end this agreement with (NOTICE PERIOD) days' written notice to the other party. The Tenant must vacate the premises by the termination date. If the Tenant refuses to leave the premises, the Landlord may start an eviction lawsuit.

The Tenant will return the Premises to the Landlord in the same condition as received, except for everyday wear and tear. The Landlord may recover any damages and losses resulting from the Tenant's non-compliance. This includes unpaid rent, property damage, and court costs.

9. Default and Remedies

The Landlord can act under this Lease Agreement should the Tenant not fulfill their obligations. The timely payment of rent is a mandatory obligation. Such remedies will be under California law. Remedies may include, without limitation, termination of this Lease Agreement and repossession of the Premises.

The Landlord may reclaim all damages, costs, and expenses incurred because of the default. This includes the right to get reasonable attorney's fees associated with enforcing the terms of this Lease Agreement.

The smoking policy includes electronic cigarettes and vaping device restrictions to ensure compliance with California law and protect tenant well-being. Mention the Landlord’s obligation to provide information on lead paint hazards and smoke detector requirements as mandated by California law.

10. Smoking Policy

The Tenant actively agrees to not smoke, including using electronic cigarettes and vaping devices, within the Premises and common areas. The Landlord will provide information on lead paint hazards and smoke detector requirements per California law.

11. Guests

The Tenant will only permit guests to live on the Premises for seven (7) consecutive days with the Landlord's prior written consent. A failure to follow the conditions outlined in this Lease Agreement, enforced by California law, may cause a breach.

12. Maintenance

At Tenant's sole expense, Tenant will keep and maintain the Premises and appurtenances in good and sanitary condition and repair during the term of this lease and any renewal thereof. The Tenant must pay for any damages, not including normal wear and tear. The Tenant must provide written notification to the Landlord of any repairs that the Landlord handles.

13. Pets

The tenant will only keep pets on the Premises with the Landlord's prior written consent. Should the Landlord consent to a pet, the Tenant will obey all local regulations, laws, and ordinances. The Tenant will be responsible for any damage, noise, or other disturbances caused by the pet.

14. Parking

The Tenant may use the designated parking space(s) on the Premises to park Tenant's passenger vehicles in operable condition. The Tenant will not use the parking space(s) to store, repair, or maintain any vehicles. The Tenant will not park any cars in unauthorized areas or in a manner that obstructs access to other parking spaces, driveways, or common areas.

15. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

The laws of California govern this agreement. You can file any legal action related to this agreement in (COUNTY) County, California.

16. Agreement and Signatures

This Lease Agreement makes up the entire understanding between the parties. It supersedes all prior negotiations, representations, and agreements, whether written or oral. By signing below, the Landlord and Tenant acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to be bound by all terms and conditions. Both Parties will execute this Lease Agreement in duplicate originals. They will deem each of them an original.

Executed by the Parties on the dates indicated below:

​

Signature
MM / DD / YYYY

​[Landlord.FirstName][Landlord.LastName]​

​

Signature
MM / DD / YYYY

​[Tenant.FirstName][Tenant.LastName]​

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FAQ

  • A legally binding California residential lease agreement involves some key elements. They’re an offer, acceptance, consideration, legality, capacity, and intention. The offer and acceptance must be mutual, and the consideration must hold value. The agreement must also be legal, involving no illegal purpose or act. A contract is an agreement between two or more parties who must intend to be bound by its terms.

  • If you’re looking for a free lease agreement for a California template, the PandaDoc website is a great place to start. You can edit and customize the template to your specific needs, send it for editing or e-signing to the other party, download a PDF, or even notarize it online – all using one service. Download a free printable rental lease agreement for California online through PandaDoc and get your agreement ready in minutes.

  • Your sample of lease agreement for California must include certain elements to ensure its validity. Include all parties’ names, the lease length, the rental amount, and the payment schedule. It should also include the security deposit information, the Tenant’s and Landlord’s responsibilities. California’s law requires Landlords to provide information about lead paint hazards and smoke detector requirements. 

  • To notarize a California residential lease agreement, all parties must be present before the notary. The notary will verify the identity of each party and witness their signatures. The notary will then affix their official seal to the document. It’s important to note that notarization is not required by California law, but the parties involved may request it for added legal security.

Disclaimer

Materials (e.g. templates, educational articles, blog posts and informational content), made available through PandaDoc, including via any integrations, connectors, extensions, plugins, or third-party AI platforms (e.g. ChatGPT, Claude, or similar tools) are for general information purposes only and are provided "as is." These materials do not constitute legal, regulatory, or compliance advice and should not be construed as such. It is your responsibility to ensure materials meet your specific legal requirements. Consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction before relying on these materials. PandaDoc disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including fitness for a particular purpose or non-infringement.

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Residential Lease Agreement California

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Simplify your leasing process with a California residential lease agreement template that saves time and ensures legal compliance.

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