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What is a Residential Lease Agreement

A Residential Lease Agreement is a legal contract between a landlord and a tenant. This is written to conform to state laws (for example, California lease agreements are tailored to the laws of California) on residency and rental real estate.

It also outlines the most important details of the agreement between the two parties such as:

  • How long the tenant may legally occupy the property

  • The amount and due date of each rental installment

  • Additional fees and costs that the tenant is responsible for

  • Terms that police the use of the property

  • Violations that will void the agreement

  • Eviction procedures

Common Uses of CA Lease Agreement

California Lease Agreements can be used to manage and legally bind many different types of rental situations. This allows both landlords and tenants to flexibly choose the best kind of contractual arrangement to suit their respective needs. 

The most common uses of CA Lease Agreements are as follows:

  • Lease agreements: Under a standard lease agreement both the landlord and tenant commit to a fixed set of terms that last for a series of months or years.

  • Rent-to-own lease agreements: Lease agreements with rent-to-own options are designed for tenants that wish to buy the property they are renting. This requires them to pay a sum of money each month, in addition to rent, to cover the costs of the principal.  

  • Month-to-month rental agreements: Month-to-month lease agreements will often have similar basic terms to standard residential lease contracts. However, they differ as they can be renewed or ended on a month-by-month basis. Their terms may also be flexibly altered each month. 

  • Commercial lease agreements: Commercial leases are provided by landlords of retail property to tenants that intend to use the real estate to run a business.

  • Room rental agreements: In room rental properties with shared living areas a room rental agreement can be used to rent a singular bedroom.

  • Sublease agreements: When a tenant would like to rent out the property they are renting to another individual, they should use a sublease agreement. This should be done after receiving permission from the landlord.

California Lease Agreement Laws

There are a few specificities to be careful of when creating a California lease agreement. 

California law sets strict rules on considerations for landlords that you must follow.

Security Deposits

In unfurnished properties, landlords can demand no more than 2 months’ rent as a security deposit. This rises to 3 months if the property is furnished (CA CIV § 1950.5 (c) (1)

At the end of the lease if the tenant complies with the lease’s terms when vacating the property the landlord must return the security deposit within 21 days of them moving out (CA CIV § 1950.5 (g) (1-3)).

Landlord’s Right to Enter

Landlords can enter the rental property by giving 24 hours’ advance notice (a written notice is recommended) (CA CIV § 1954(d)(1)). 

However, 48 hours’ notice is required before the landlord may enter to give the final inspection before the tenant moves out (CA CIV § 1950.5(f)(1)).

Late Fees

In California any late fee that you charge must be considered “reasonable”. A fee of 5% of the monthly rent is considered the maximum in Los Angeles County (CA CIV § 1671).

A non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee is set at $25 for the first bounced check and $35 for any bounced check afterward (CA CIV § 1719). 

Warranty of Habitability

Landlords are required to keep their rental properties in livable condition. This must always be followed whether your agreement has included this warranty or not (CA CIV § 1941.1).

Required Disclosures for CA Lease Agreements

California law requires a number of important disclosures to appear in completed CA Lease Agreements. This is to properly inform the tenant of any health risks or potential issues with the property that they must be aware of. These essential addendums may include:

  • Methamphetamine contamination disclosure: Necessary for properties where the landlord knows or suspects the use, storage, or production of methamphetamine has taken place (CA HSC § 25400.16). 

  • Mold disclosure: Essential for properties where health risks may occur due to mold (CA HSC § 26141).

  • Military ordinance disclosure: Properties located within 1 mile of known military testing facilities must disclose the fact (CA HSC § 26141).

  • Death in a rental unit disclosure: A crucial addendum for properties and units where a death has occurred within the last 3 years (excluding HIV and AIDS-related deaths) (CA CIV § 1710.2).  

  • Pest control disclosure: Rental units that use pesticides for infestations or with pest control schedules must clearly disclose this information. 

  • Bedbug disclosure: All rental units must provide an addendum that advises on how to prevent bedbug infestations (CA CIV § 1954.6039).

  • Demolition permit order: Essential for properties that are scheduled to be demolished during the residential term (CA CIV § 1940.6).

  • Sex offender registry notice: All rental contracts in California must provide an addendum that residents have the right to access information on the sex offenders register (CA CIV § 2079.10a).

  • Shared Utilities: The agreement is required to state how the cost of utilities are shared between the parties. If the unit has a shared electrical or gas meter for example this information must be provided (CA CIV § 1940.9). 

  • Smoking policy: If smoking is allowed it must be mentioned in the agreement, as well as where on the property it is permitted (CA CIV § 1947.5). 

  • Megan’s law disclosure: Every Residential Lease Agreement in California must have the following statement included (CA CIV § 2079.10a):  “Notice: Pursuant to Section 290.46 of the Penal Code, information about specified registered sex offenders is made available to the public via an Internet Website maintained by the Department of Justice at www.meganslaw.ca.gov. Depending on an offender’s criminal history, this information will include either the address at which the offender resides or the community of residence and ZIP Code in which he or she resides.”

Optional Disclosures in CA

There are also disclosures that you must be aware of regarding health and safety. 

Depending on the year the property was built and its appliances you may need to include the following disclosures.

  • Asbestos disclosure: If built from 1980 onwards there is no obligation to disclose information on asbestos. However, it is obligatory for all properties built before 1979 where asbestos is known to be present by the landlord (CA HSC § 25915 - 25919.7).

  • Carbon Monoxide Detector: In all residential units with fossil-fuel-based heaters and appliances, landlords must have carbon monoxide monitors (CA CIV § 17926.1

How to Write a California Lease Agreement

When you draft your California Lease Agreement it will be essential that you include all the required information

Introduce the following sections to correctly write your legal document. 

  1. Mention the parties: This section includes the date of the agreement and the full names of the tenant and landlord. 

    parties in a lease agreement

  2. Specify the address and use of the property: The address and the property’s use will be stated here. 

    property and use of property in a lease agreement

  3. Include the term: The start and end dates must be added to this section as well as if the tenant may continue at the end of the term. 

    Terms in a Lease agreement

  4. State the payment options and amount: The amount the tenant must pay is listed here as well as how they will pay it (cash, money order, etc.), as well as the late fee amount. 

    Rent and Payment in a lease agreement

  5. Provide security deposit information: Details regarding the amount of the security deposit as well as how it will be returned must be included. 

    security deposit in a lease agreement

  6. Include any occupants: If anyone is going to be living in the rental property apart from the paying tenant, you can list them here. 

    Occupants in a lease agreement

  7. Specify how utilities will be paid for: This section will state who pays for the utilities, and whether all will be paid for by the tenant or some by the landlord. 

  8. List the furnishings: In this section, you’ll add a list of any furnishings that are found on the property. 

    Utilities and furnishing in a lease agreement

  9. Add your signature: Both you and the other party must sign and date the agreement. Your names in print must also be added.

    Signatures in a lease agreement

California Residential Lease Agreement Sample

Before starting your own rental lease agreement, it can help to first examine a professional example document. To get an idea of how your final form should appear read through our California Residential Lease Agreement sample below.  

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Residential Lease Agreement California Sample

Other Real Estate Documents

Besides lease agreements, there are various other legal documents that are commonly used by landlords. If you are the owner of a rental property, one of the following forms may be helpful for you: 

California Lease Agreement FAQs

It is important to carefully prepare a California lease agreement to suit the needs of the landlord and tenant exactly. If you still have any doubts about what to include in your final document, browse our FAQs below to find the answers you need.

How to Get a Lease Agreement in California?

It is possible to create a California Lease Agreement completely online

Using our Residential Lease Agreement maker you can tailor your document tofor your specific needs and take advantage of professional templates and expert tips.

Alternatively, it is possible to find forms and templates from the California Association of Realtors, which can be manually completed by landlords. Another option is to call upon the services of an attorney to draw up the document, although this carries additional costs.

How to Renew a Lease Agreement in CA?

There are a number of ways to renew Lease Agreements in California. First of all, landlords and tenants can negotiate and agree on a new contract to replace an older expiring document. It is also possible to create an automatic renewal provision in the agreement for when it ends.

In the case of automatic renewal options, assuming no notice to end the agreement is given by either party before it expires, the contract will become either a month-to-month agreement or renewed for an additional term. 

Furthermore, it is important to be aware that if the landlord continues to receive rent from the occupant after the lease ends, the resident will become an at-will tenant. This means that the landlord will need to give sufficient notice before requiring the occupants to vacate the property.

How to Write a CA Lease Termination Letter?

If either the landlord or tenant for any reason needs to terminate a CA lease agreement early, they must provide the correct amount of notice in a written CA lease termination letter.

This letter needs to contain the following information:

  • The name of the landlord and the tenant

  • The date the letter has been written and signed

  • The name and address of the property in question

  • Information explaining why the tenancy needs to be terminated early

  • The reason the lease is being broken

  • The date that the resident will vacate the property

  • Acknowledgement of any penalties that will be incurred

  • Signature of the signing party

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Residential Lease Agreement California Sample

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California
Residential Lease Agreement
This Lease Agreement (hereinafter, the "Lease Agreement") is dated as of _________ (hereinafter, the "Effective Date") and is entered into by and between _________ (hereinafter, the "Landlord") and the following residents:

_________
(hereinafter, the "Tenant(s)").

The Landlord and the Tenant(s) agree as follows:
1. PROPERTY AND OCCUPANTS

A. The Landlord rents to the Tenant(s) and the Tenant(s) rents from the Landlord the real property and improvements described as a house (the "Premises"), located at _________, _________, California _________. The Property is further described as follows: _________.

B. The premises are for the sole use as a personal residence by the Tenant(s) mentioned above only.
2. TERM

The term of this Residential Lease Agreement begins on _________ (the "Commencement Date") and shall terminate on _________ at 1 PM (the "Termination Date").

The Tenant(s) shall vacate the Premises upon termination of the Residential Lease Agreement, unless: (i) the Landlord and the Tenant(s) have, in writing, extended this agreement or signed a new agreement; (ii) mandated by local rent control law; or (iii) the Landlord accepts Rent from the Tenant(s) (other than past due Rent), in which case a month-to-month tenancy shall be created which either party may terminate. In this case, the Tenant(s) may terminate the tenancy by giving written notice at least 30 days prior to the intended termination date. The Landlord may terminate the tenancy by giving written notice as provided by law. Such notices may be given on any date. Rent shall be at a rate agreed to by the Landlord and the Tenant(s), or as allowed by law. All other terms and conditions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
3. RENT; LEASE PAYMENTS

"Rent" shall mean all monetary obligations of the Tenant(s) to the Landlord under the terms of this Agreement, except the Security Deposit.
      (a) The Tenant(s) agrees to pay $_________, on first day of each calendar month, and is delinquent on the next day. Payments of rent shall be made to the Landlord at the address herein provided. This address may be changed from time to time by the Landlord provided that the Tenant(s) is given notice of such change by the Landlord.

      If the Commencement Date falls on any day other than the day Rent is payable under this paragraph, and the Tenant(s) has paid one full month's Rent in advance of the Commencement Date, Rent for the second calendar month shall be prorated based on a 30-day period.
     (b) Rent shall be paid by the following method(s):
4. SMOKING

The Tenant(s) shall not smoke in or on any area of the premises, including individual units and common areas, both indoors or outdoors, nor allow their guests to do so. The Tenant(s) shall be held responsible for any breach of this provision and for the reasonable costs of rectification of any damage which may have been caused as a result of smoking on the Premises, for any appropriate cleaning, ozone treatment, fogging, or duct cleaning, required. Any breach of this provision shall be understood as just cause to entitle the Landlord to any and all remedies available by law.

If the Tenant(s) contravenes this provision by smoking in or on any place on the property, then such Tenant(s) shall be held liable for any damages caused to the Premises or the Property. The violation of this provision shall be considered a just cause for the eviction of the Tenant by the Landlord.
5. MANAGEMENT

The Tenant(s) is hereby notified that the Owner or Landlord _________ is the property manager in charge of repairs and maintenance of the Property. If the Tenant(s) has any complaint regarding any issue about the Property, the Owner or Landlord _________ shall be contacted at _________, _________, _________.
6. OCCUPANTS

Unless otherwise consented by the Owner or Landlord, there shall be no more than _________ person(s) residing on the Premises.

All the provisions of the Residential Lease Agreement are binding on each person herein mentioned as Tenant(s) and/or Occupants of the Premises.

Authorized Tenants/Occupants:

_________

Each Tenant is individually and jointly liable for all the obligations in this Residential Lease Agreement, including, but not limited to, full payment of Rent. There shall be no other persons living or permanently staying on the Premises other than the Tenant(s) and any Occupants herein explicitly mentioned. Any and all guests shall only be allowed to stay on the Premises for _________ consecutive days. Unless otherwise consented by the Owner or Landlord, guests of the Tenant(s) shall NOT be allowed to stay on the Premises for a period longer than two (2) weeks. The Tenant (s) must obtain prior written approval of the Owner or Landlord if a guest of the Tenant(s) will be present at the Premises for more than two consecutive weeks.
7. PETS

No animal or pet shall be kept, permanently or temporarily, on or about the Premises without Landlord’s prior written consent. The only exception to this general rule shall be Service Animal(s). The exception to this general rule is provided by California Civil Code § 54.2, under which every individual with a disability shall have a right to have a Service Animal(s) on the Premises.

The Tenant(s) is responsible for all damages caused to the property for having a pet in or on the Premises, including, but not limited to, odors, stains, and pest problems, regardless of the ownership of the said pet, and shall be obliged to restore it to its original condition at their own expense.
8. MAINTENANCE

The Landlord shall maintain the Premises at all times and perform all repairs reasonably necessary. The primary duty of the landlord shall be to meet the implied warranty of habitability of the Property, that the premises are in a safe, livable condition.
Subject to California Civil Code § 1954, the Landlord may only enter the dwelling unit without the consent of the Tenant(s) in case of an emergency. Moreover, a request made by the Tenant(s) to the Landlord for repair or maintenance shall be considered consent for the Landlord or his authorized agent to enter the Premises. However, the Landlord shall only enter the Premises during normal business hours, except in an emergency or if the Tenant(s) consents to an entry during other than normal business hours. If there is no repair request by the Tenant(s), the Landlord shall give the tenant reasonable notice in writing of his or her intent to enter only during normal business hours. The notice shall include the date, approximate time, and purpose of the entry. The notice may be personally delivered to the tenant, left with someone of a suitable age and discretion at the premises, or, left on, near, or under the usual entry door of the premises in a manner in which a reasonable person would discover the notice. Twenty-four hours shall be presumed to be reasonable notice in absence of evidence to the contrary. The notice may be mailed to the Tenant(s). Mailing of the notice at least six days prior to an intended entry is presumed reasonable notice in the absence of evidence to the contrary.

The Landlord shall not use the right to access or use it to harass the Tenant(s). No notice requirement to the Tenant(s) shall be given by the Landlord if the Tenant(s) are present and consent to the entry at the time of entry. The Tenant(s) shall guarantee that the Premises are in a safe and habitable condition upon the Landlord's entry.
The Tenant(s) recognizes that the Landlord may have to enter the Premises from time to time to make necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, alterations, or improvements, supply necessary or agreed services to keep the Premises in good condition. Thus, the Tenant(s) shall permit the entry to the Premises to the Landlord or Landlord’s authorized agent for these purposes or to show the Premises to prospective or actual purchasers, tenants, mortgagees, lenders, appraisers, or contractors.

The Landlord and the Tenant(s) agree that 24-hour written notice shall be reasonable and sufficient notice for such circumstances, except as follows: 48-hour written notice is required to conduct an inspection of the Premises prior to the Tenant(s) moving out unless the Tenant(s) waives the right to such notice. Notice may be given orally to show the Premises to actual or prospective purchasers provided the Tenant(s) has been notified in writing within 120 days preceding the oral notice that the Premises are for sale and that oral notice may be given to show the Premises.

TEMPORARY RELOCATION: Subject to local law, the Tenant(s) agrees, upon demand of the Landlord, to temporarily vacate the Premises for a reasonable period, to allow for fumigation (or other methods) to control wood-destroying pests or organisms, or other repairs to the Premises. The Tenant(s) agree to comply with all instructions and requirements necessary to prepare the Premises to accommodate pest control, fumigation, or other work, including bagging or storage of food and medicine, and removal of perishables and valuables. The Tenant(s) shall only be entitled to a credit of Rent equal to the per diem Rent for the period of time the Tenant(s) is required to vacate the Premises.
PERIODIC PEST CONTROL: The Tenant(s) shall assist the Landlord in all efforts to eliminate pests of any sort from the Premises. The Tenant(s) agree to comply with all the Landlord's rules and requests in these regards and any non-compliant conduct from the Tenant(s) shall be considered a nuisance. If the Landlord has entered into a contract for a periodic pest control treatment of the Premises the Tenant(s) shall be given a copy of the notice originally given to the Landlord by the pest control company. If such notice is not given to the Tenant(s) the Landlord may not hold the Tenant(s) liable for non-compliance of any sort or for not consenting to any of the periodic pest control visits to the Premises.
The Tenant(s) shall properly use, operate, and safeguard the Premises including, if applicable, any landscaping, furniture, furnishings and appliances, and all mechanical, electrical, gas, and plumbing fixtures, and keep them and the Premises clean, sanitary, and well ventilated. The Tenant(s) shall be responsible for checking and maintaining all smoke detectors and any additional phone lines beyond the one line and jack that the Landlord shall provide and maintain. The Tenant(s) shall immediately notify the Landlord, in writing, of any problem, malfunction or damage. The Tenant(s) shall be charged for all repairs or replacements caused by the Tenant(s), pets, guests, or licensees of the Tenant(s), excluding ordinary wear and tear. The Tenant(s) shall be charged for all damage to the Premises as a result of failure to report a problem in a timely manner. The Tenant(s) shall also be charged for the repair of drain blockages or stoppages, unless caused by defective plumbing parts or tree roots invading sewer lines.
9. UTILITIES AND SERVICES

The Tenant(s) agree to pay for all utilities and services in connection with the Premises. The Tenant(s) agree to comply with all rules and regulations imposed by the Landlord and that are at any time posted on the Premises or delivered to the Tenant(s), including but not limited to any environmental, energy, or water conservation, recycling or waste management plan implemented by the Landlord. If any utilities are not separately metered, the Tenant(s) shall pay Tenant’s proportional share, as reasonably determined, and directed by the Landlord. If utilities are separately metered, the Tenant(s) shall place utilities in the Tenant’s name as of the Commencement Date of this Lease Agreement. If utilities on the Premises are metered by Master Meters, the landlord shall have the right to measure the Tenant(s)'s utilities and to bill the Tenant(s) for the consumption of such utilities, either directly or through a third party. Nothing contained herein prevents the Landlord from passing through to Tenant utility costs as provided by law. However, the Landlord shall give the Tenant(s) evidence of all bills prior to recovering utility costs from the Tenant(s).

The Landlord is only responsible for installing and maintaining one usable telephone jack and one telephone line to the Premises.

The Tenant(s) shall pay any cost for conversion from existing utilities service provider or for any repairs required or charges for any services provided on any utility or fixture.

The Tenant(s) acknowledges that the Landlord has fully explained to the Tenant(s) that all utility rates, charges, and services shall be paid by the Tenant(s).

The Landlord shall not be held liable under this Lease Agreement for damages caused for any interruption or reduction of utilities caused by someone other than the Landlord or due to circumstances unforeseeable to the Landlord or beyond the Landlord's reasonable control.
10. FAILURE TO PAY

Pursuant to California Civil Code section 1785.26, a creditor may submit negative credit information concerning a consumer to a consumer credit reporting agency, only if the creditor notifies the consumer affected. After providing this notice, a creditor may submit additional information to a credit reporting agency respecting the same transaction or extension of credit that gave rise to the original negative credit information without providing additional notice.

The notice shall be in writing and shall be delivered in person or mailed first class, postage prepaid, to the party’s last known address, prior to or within 30 days after the transmission of the negative credit information.

The notice may be part of any notice of default, billing statement, or other correspondence, and may be included as preprinted or standard form language in any of these from the creditor to the consumer.

The notice is sufficient if it is in substantially the following form:

“As required by law, you are hereby notified that a negative credit report reflecting on your credit record may be submitted to a credit reporting agency if you fail to fulfill the terms of your credit obligations.”
11. EARLY TERMINATION CLAUSE

In the event of termination by the Tenant(s) prior to the completion of the original term of the Lease Agreement, the Tenant(s) shall be responsible for lost Rent, rental commissions, advertising expenses, and painting costs necessary to ready the Premises for re-rental. The Landlord may withhold any such amounts from the Tenant(s)’s security deposit. In addition to the rent due up to the termination day, the Tenant(s) shall pay a termination charge of $_________ for the early termination of the Agreement upon serving on the Landlord a _________ days' written notice, stating that the Tenant(s) wish to terminate the Lease Agreement. The Termination of the Lease Agreement shall take effect on the last day of the month after the expiration of the _________ day notice period.
12. ASBESTOS

This Property may contain asbestos. Some of the original building materials may contain this hazardous substance. Please take notice that any disturbance or damage to certain interior apartment surfaces of asbestos-containing materials may increase the potential exposure to these substances.

The Tenant(s) or the Tenant(s) guests, employees or contractors, shall not take or permit any action which in any way damages or disturbs the Premises or any part thereof, including, but not limited to:

(i)Piercing the Surface of the ceiling by drilling or any other method.
(ii)Hanging plants, mobiles or any other objects from the ceiling.
(iii)Attaching any fixtures to the ceiling.
(iv)Permitting water or any other liquid, other than ordinary steam condensation, to come into contact with the ceiling.
(v)Painting, cleaning or undertaking any repairs of any portion of the ceiling.
(vi)Replacing the light fixtures.
(vii)Undertaking any activity which results in building vibration that may cause damage to the ceiling.

The Tenant(s) shall notify the Landlord immediately in writing if there is any damage to or deterioration of the ceiling in the Premises or any part thereof, including, without limitation, flaking, loose, cracking, hanging or dislodged material, water leaks, or stains in the ceiling, or upon the occurrence of any event mentioned above.

13. COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS

The Tenant(s) agrees to comply with all laws, rules, orders, ordinances, directions, codes, regulations, and requirements (as interpreted by judicial and administrative decisions) of all governmental agencies, offices, departments of the federal, state, county, municipal and other authorities. However, the Tenant(s) shall not by this provision be required to make alterations to the exterior of the building or alterations of a structural nature.
14. ASSIGNABILITY/SUBLETTING

The Tenant(s) may not assign or sublease any interest in or any part of the Premises, nor assign or transfer this Lease Agreement, or effect a change in the ownership of the Property, or mortgage this Lease.

The Tenant(s) shall not contravene this provision, unless the Landlord expressly waivers this prohibition in writing, the consent of which the Landlord may, in any case, withhold in its sole and absolute discretion.
15. LEAD DISCLOSURE

Many homes and apartments built before 1978 have paint that contains lead (called lead-based paint). Lead from paint chips and dust can pose serious health hazards to tenants, occupants and guests if not taken care of properly. Homebuyers and renters have important rights to know about whether lead is present -- before signing contracts or leases. The law requires that tenants and lessees receive certain information before renting pre-1978 housing. By signing this Lease, the Tenant(s) represents and agrees that the Landlord has provided the Tenant(s) with such information, including, but not limited to the EPA Booklet Entitled Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home, Disclosure of Information on Lead-Based Paint and Lead-Based Paint Hazards.

In accordance with federal law, the Landlord gives and the Tenant(s) acknowledges receipt of the disclosures on the attached form (C.A.R. Form FLD) and a federally approved lead pamphlet.
16. MOLD/MILDEW

The Tenant(s) agrees that Mold growth in the Premises largely depends on how the Tenant(s) manages and maintains the Premises. Thus, it shall be the Tenant(s)'s responsibility to maintain the Premises in order to prevent the growth of Mold or Mildew in the Property. The Tenant(s) further agrees to comply with the list of obligations which are included in the addendum entitled Mold Notification. The Tenant(s) also agrees that the Landlord and its authorized agents will not be responsible for any illness, injury, or damage relating to mold if it was caused (or partially caused) by the Tenant(s)'s failure to clean and maintain the Premises or to promptly notify the Landlord of mold or mildew. Lastly, the Tenant(s) agrees that the Landlord has provided the Tenant(s) with a Mold Notification Addendum and Mold/Mildew Disclosure Form.
17. NOTICE

Notices under this Lease Agreement may only be considered valid if served at the following address, or at any other location subsequently designated:
LANDLORD:

_________
_________
TENANT:

_________
_________, _________, California _________

Such addresses may be changed from time to time by either party by providing notice as set forth above.
18. GOVERNING LAW

This Lease Agreement shall be governed, construed, and interpreted by the Laws of the State of California.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Landlord and the Tenant(s) have executed this Lease Agreement in the manner prescribed by law as of the Effective Date.

LANDLORD:


By: ____________________________ Date: ______________
     _________     

TENANT:

By: ____________________________ Date: ______________
      _________

RESIDENTIAL LEASE
Inspection Checklist


Tenant has inspected the Premises and states that the Premises are in satisfactory condition, free of defects, except as noted below:
SATISFACTORYCOMMENTS
Bathrooms  __________________________________
Carpeting  __________________________________
Ceilings  __________________________________
Closets  __________________________________
Countertops  __________________________________
Dishwasher  __________________________________
Disposal  __________________________________
Doors  __________________________________
Fireplace  __________________________________
Lights  __________________________________
Locks  __________________________________
Refrigerator  __________________________________
Screens  __________________________________
Stove  __________________________________
Walls  __________________________________
Windows  __________________________________
Window coverings  __________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________



_____________________

Date


Tenant:

By: ____________________________ Date: ______________
      _________

Acknowledged by Landlord:

By: ____________________________ Date: ______________
     _________     

California Lease Agreement
Mold Notification Addendum
The lessor endeavors to preserve and promote quality of life for tenants. The lessor asserts that lessor and/or its agent has inspected the Premises prior to occupancy and knows of:

1. NO mildew or mold contamination;

2. NO wet or damp building materials that contribute to the formation of mildew or mold.

The Tenant(s) recognizes that mold and mildew can grow if the Premises are not properly maintained by the Tenant(s). If moisture gathers within the Premises, it may cause mold and mildew to accumulate and grow. If the Tenant(s) discovers the existence of mold or mildew on the Premises, leaks or conditions under which moisture may gather, the TENANT(S) shall notify the lessor promptly, so the lessor may take action. The Tenant(s) shall keep and maintain the Premises and appurtenances in good and sanitary condition and repair during the term of this Agreement and any renewal thereof, in order to retard and prevent the growth of mold or mildew. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1. Tenant shall remove dirt or debris that may contribute to a mold infestation;

2. Tenant shall promptly report to the lessor any occurrence of mold or mildew;

3. Tenant shall clean and dry all visible moisture on surfaces, including windows, walls, ceilings, floors, and furniture;

4. Tenant shall promptly notify the lessor if air conditioning or heating systems experience any problems, refrain from blocking air conditioning and heating ducts, and use vents and fans during cooking, bathing and dishwashing;

5. Tenant shall promptly notify the lessor of plumbing leaks, drips, water spills and overflows which permeate the walls, carpets, floors and other surfaces that may harbor the growth of mold or mildew;

6. Tenant agrees to open curtains/blinds to allow light into the Premises;

7. Tenant agrees to hereby agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Lessor harmless from any and all claims or assertions of every kind and nature which arise from Tenant's or guest(s)' refusal or negligence to maintain the Premises in a sanitary condition or comply with the terms of this Mold Addendum.

If the Tenant(s) fails to comply with the terms of this Mold Addendum, it is a material breach of the Lease Agreement it is attached to. In the event there is a conflict between this Mold Addendum and the Lease Agreement, the terms of the Mold Addendum shall govern.

Tenant:

By: ____________________________ Date: ______________
      _________

Acknowledged by Landlord:

By: ____________________________ Date: ______________
     _________     

Rent Cap and Just Cause Addendum
The following terms and conditions are hereby incorporated and made part of the Residential Lease or Month-to-Month Rental Agreement dated _________ on the property and the following tenants:

_________

referred to as "Tenant".
I. RENT CAP AND JUST CAUSE ADDENDUM TERMS

With certain exemptions, Landlord may be subject to the rent cap and just cause eviction provisions of the Civil Code. Landlord informs tenant of the following:

California's law limits the amount your rent can be increased. See Section 1947.12 of the Civil Code for more information. California's law also provides that after all the tenants have continuously and lawfully occupied the property for 12 months or more or the least one of the tenants has continuously occupied the property for 24 months or more, a landlord must provide a statement of cause in any notice to terminate a tenancy. See Section 1946.2 of the Civil Code for more information.

II. RENT CAP REQUIREMENTS

1. Subject to certain provisions of Civil Code Section 1947.12 subdivision (b), an owner of real property shall not increase the rental rate for that property more than 5 percent plus the percentage change in the cost of living, or 10 percent, whichever is lower, of the lowest rental amount charged for that property at any time during the 12 months prior to the effective date of the increase.
2. If the same tenant remains in occupancy over any 12-month period, the gross rental rate shall not be increased in more than two increments over that 12-month period.
3. For a new tenancy in which no tenant from the prior tenancy remains, the owner may establish the initial rate, not subject to paragraph 1 of this section. Paragraph 1 of this section is only applicable to subsequent increases after the initial rental rate has been established.

III. JUST CAUSE REQUIREMENTS

WITH CERTAIN EXEMPTIONS, LANDLORD MAY BE SUBJECT TO THE JUST CAUSE PROVISIONS OF CIVIL CODE SECTION 1946.2 AND INFORMS TENANT OF THE FOLLOWING:

1. At-fault Just Cause:

     a) Default in payment of rent.
     b) Breach of a material term of the lease, as described in Code of Civil Procedure Section 1161, paragraph (3), including, but not limited to, violation of a provision of the lease after being issued a written notice to correct the violation.
     c) Maintaining, committing, or permitting the maintenance of a nuisance as described in Code of Civil Procedure Section 1161, paragraph (4).
     d) Committing waste as described in Code of Civil Procedure Section 1161, paragraph (4).
     e) The tenant had a written lease that terminated on or after January 1, 2020, and after a written request or demand from the owner, the tenant refused to execute a written extension or renewal of the lease for an additional term of similar duration with similar provisions, provided that those terms do not violate Section 1946.1 or any other provision of law.
     f) Criminal activity by the tenant on the residential real property, including any common areas, or any criminal threat, as defined in Penal Code Section 422, subdivision (a), directed to any owner or agent of the owner of the premises.
     g) Assigning or subletting the premises in violation of the tenant's lease.
     h) The tenant's refusal to allow the owner to enter the residential real property pursuant to a request consistent with Civil Code Sections 1101.5 and 1954, and Health and Safety Code Sections 13113.7 and 17926.1.
     i) Using the premises for an unlawful purpose as described in Code of Civil Procedure Section 1161, paragraph (4).
     j) When the tenant fails to deliver possession of the residential real property after providing the owner written notice of tenant's intention to terminate the hiring of real property or makes a written offer to surrender that is accepted in writing by the landlord, but fails to deliver possession at the time specified in that written notice.

2. No-fault Just Cause:

     a) Intent to occupy the residential real property by the owner or their spouse, domestic partner, children, grandchildren, parents or grandparents (Family move-in).
     For leases entered into on or after January 1, 2020, or amendment to existing leases prior to January 1, 2020:
     Tenant and Owner hereby agree that the Owner shall have the right to terminate the lease if the Owner, or their spouse, domestic partner, children, grandchildren, parents or grandparents, unilaterally decide to occupy the residential property.
     b) Withdrawal of the Premises for the rental market.
     c) Unsafe habitation, as determined by a government agency that has issued an order to vacate, or to comply, or other order that necessitates vacating the residential property.
     d) Intent to demolish or substantially remodel the residential real property. "Substantially remodel" means the replacement or substantial modification of any structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical system that requires a permit that cannot be accomplished in a safe manner with the tenant in place, and that requires tenant to vacate the residential real property for at least 30 days. Cosmetic improvements alone do not qualify.

Tenant Payments under No-Fault Just Cause Eviction:

     1. If Owner issues a termination of tenancy under a No-Fault Just Cause, Owner notifies Tenant of the right to direct payment relocation assistance equal to one month of the tenant's rent in effect at the time of the termination and shall be provided within 15 calendar days of service of the notice.
     2. In lieu of direct payment, Owner may waive the payment of rent for the final month of tenancy prior to the rent becoming due. The notice shall state that the amount of rent waived and that no rent is due for the final month of tenancy.

IV. SPECIFIC EXEMPTIONS TO JUST CAUSE EVICTION REQUIREMENTS:

1. Housing accommodations in which the tenant shares bathroom or kitchen facilities with the owner who maintains their principal residence at the residential real property.
2. Single-family owner-occupied residences, including a residence in which the owner-occupant rents or lease no more than two unit or bedrooms, including, but not limited to, an accessory dwelling unit.

V. SPECIFIC EXEMPTIONS TO BOTH RENT CAP AND JUST CAUSE EVICTION REQUIREMENTS:

1. Housing that has been issued a certificate of occupancy within the previous 15 years.
2. A duplex in which the owner occupied one of the units as the owner's principal place of residence at the beginning of the tenancy, so long as the owner continues in occupancy.
3. Single Family Residential property (including condominium and units in planned developments) provided the residential real property is alienable separate from the title to any other dwelling unit AND (i) the owner is NOT a real estate investment trust (REIT), (ii) the owner is NOT a corporation, and (iii) if the owner is a limited liability company then none of the members of the LLC are corporations.

This exemption only applies if the notice below is checked and delivered to the tenant.

☐ Landlord hereby notifies tenant that the Property is exempt from the rent cap provisions specified in Civil Code Section 1947.12 and the just cause eviction provisions specified in Civil Code 1946.2.

     Notice of Exemption:
     This property is not subject to the rent limits imposed by Section 1947.12 of the Civil Code and is not subject to the just cause requirements of Section 1946.2 of the Civil Code. This property meets the requirements of Sections 1947.12 (d)(5) and 1946.2 (e)(8) of the Civil Code and the owner is not any of the following: (1) a real estate investment trust, as defined by Section 856 of the Internal Revenue Code; (2) a corporation; or (3) a limited liability company in which at least one member is a corporation.

NOTE: Other exemptions under the Civil Code may apply. Additionally, this property may be subject to local rent cap and just cause eviction controls, which may impose additional restrictions. Landlord is strongly advised to seek counsel from a qualified real estate lawyer, who is familiar with the law where the property is located, prior to serving any notice.
The undersigned acknowledge a copy of this document and agree that the terms specified in Sections I, and III (2)(a) and V(3) are made a part of the lease or rental agreement specified above.

LANDLORD:

By: ____________________________ Date: ______________
     _________     

TENANT:

By: ____________________________ Date: ______________
      _________
Information about Bed Bugs
Bed bug Appearance: Bed bugs have six legs. Adult bed bugs have flat bodies about 1/4 of an inch in length. Their color can vary from red and brown to copper colored. Young bed bugs are very small. Their bodies are about 1/16 of an inch in length. They have almost no color. When a bed bug feeds, its body swells, may lengthen, and becomes bright red, sometimes making it appear to be a different insect. Bed bugs do not fly. They can either crawl or be carried from place to place on objects, people, or animals. Bed bugs can be hard to find and identify because they are tiny and try to stay hidden.

Life Cycle and Reproduction: An average bed bug lives for about 10 months. Female bed bugs lay one to five eggs per day. Bed bugs grow to full adulthood in about 21 days.

Bed bugs can survive for months without feeding.

Bed bug Bites: Because bed bugs usually feed at night, most people are bitten in their sleep and do not realize they were bitten. A person's reaction to insect bites is an immune response and so varies from person to person. Sometimes the red welts caused by the bites will not be noticed until many days after a person was bitten, if at all.

Common signs and symptoms of a possible bed bug infestation:

   Small red to reddish brown fecal spots on mattresses, box springs, bed frames, mattresses, linens, upholstery, or walls.
   Molted bed bug skins, white, sticky eggs, or empty eggshells.
   Very heavily infested areas may have a characteristically sweet odor.
   Red, itchy bite marks, especially on the legs, arms, and other body parts exposed while sleeping. However, some people do not show bed bug lesions on their bodies even though bed bugs may have fed on them.

For more information, see the Internet Web sites of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the National Pest Management Association.

To report suspected infestations, please contact the landlord or property manager via the contact details provided in the lease agreement.
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