California • Updated 2025
California Lease Agreement Template
Free, state-specific lease agreement template fully compliant with California law. Download instantly in PDF or Word format — no email required.
Lease Agreements in California
California has some of the most comprehensive tenant protection laws in the United States. The California Civil Code (§§ 1940–1954.1) governs residential tenancies and imposes strict requirements on landlords regarding habitability, security deposits, disclosures, and eviction procedures.
Under California law, landlords must provide a written lease for any tenancy of one year or more. For month-to-month tenancies, a written agreement is strongly recommended as it protects both parties. California's statewide rent control law (AB 1482) caps annual rent increases at 5% plus local CPI (maximum 10%) for most residential properties built before 2005.
The security deposit limit in California is two months' rent for unfurnished units and three months' rent for furnished units. Landlords must return the security deposit (with an itemized statement of deductions) within 21 days of the tenant vacating. Failure to comply can result in the landlord owing up to 2x the deposit as a penalty.
Many California cities (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley) have additional local rent control ordinances that are stricter than the statewide law. Landlords in these cities must comply with both state and local requirements.
California Lease Agreement Key Facts
Security Deposit Limit
2 months' rent (unfurnished); 3 months' (furnished)
Deposit Return Deadline
21 days after tenant vacates
Notice to Raise Rent
30 days (under 10% increase); 90 days (10% or more)
Notice to Terminate Month-to-Month
30 days (under 1 year); 60 days (over 1 year)
Statewide Rent Control Cap
5% + local CPI, max 10% per year (AB 1482)
Habitability Standard
Implied warranty of habitability (Civil Code § 1941)
Eviction Notice (Non-Payment)
3-Day Notice to Pay or Quit
Landlord Entry Notice
24 hours advance notice required
Governing Law
Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1940–1954.1
Local Rent Control Cities
LA, San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Santa Monica
California Legal Requirements
- ✓Landlords must disclose the identity and address of the property owner or authorized agent (Cal. Civ. Code § 1962).
- ✓A lead-based paint disclosure is required for all properties built before 1978 (federal requirement).
- ✓Landlords must provide a copy of the lease to tenants within 15 days of execution.
- ✓The lease must include the amount and terms of the security deposit.
- ✓Properties in areas subject to local rent ordinances must include a disclosure of applicable rent control rules.
- ✓Landlords must disclose any known presence of mold that poses a health risk (Health & Safety Code § 26147).
- ✓A Bed Bug disclosure is required for new tenants (Cal. Civ. Code § 1954.603).
- ✓Landlords in buildings with 1–4 units must provide a Move-In Checklist if they collect a security deposit.
- ✓For units with shared utilities, landlords must describe how charges are allocated among tenants.
- ✓AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act) protections must be disclosed for covered properties.
California Governing Laws
Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1940–1942.5
Residential Tenancies — Habitability and Repairs
Establishes the landlord's duty to maintain rental property in a habitable condition and the tenant's right to repair-and-deduct or withhold rent when the landlord fails to make necessary repairs within a reasonable time.
Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1950.5–1950.7
Security Deposits
Limits security deposits to two months' rent (unfurnished) or three months' (furnished), requires itemized accounting within 21 days of move-out, and provides for double damages plus attorney fees if a landlord wrongfully withholds a deposit.
Cal. Civ. Code § 1954
Landlord Right of Entry
Requires landlords to provide 24-hour advance written notice before entering a tenant's unit, except in emergencies. Entry is permitted only during normal business hours and for specified purposes (repairs, inspections, showing the unit).
Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1946–1946.1
Termination of Tenancy
Establishes notice periods for terminating month-to-month tenancies: 30 days for tenancies under one year, 60 days for tenancies of one year or more. For properties subject to AB 1482, "just cause" is required to terminate after 12 months of occupancy.
Cal. Civ. Code § 1947.12 (AB 1482)
Statewide Rent Control — Tenant Protection Act of 2019
Caps annual rent increases at 5% plus the local CPI (maximum 10%) for most residential properties built before 2005. Requires "just cause" for evictions after 12 months of occupancy. Exempts single-family homes (with disclosure) and properties built within the last 15 years.
California Lease Agreement — FAQ
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Legal Disclaimer
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws may have changed — consult a licensed California attorney for complex situations.