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Free template · California · updated 2026

California Residential Lease Agreement Template

A California-compliant lease with every disclosure the state requires built in, not bolted on — 10 state-specific clauses plus 11 universal ones. Fill it in, e-sign it, and it lives with the tenant record.

Generate my California lease — free →See what's inside ↓
Free forever · e-signature included · reviewed against California Civil Code § 1950.5 and related landlord-tenant sections
One month’s rentSecurity deposit cap
21 daysDeposit returnafter move-out
Set by leaseLate fee ruleMust be a reasonable estimate of costs
3 daysNotice for non-payment

What a California lease must include

California landlords need a lease that carries the state's required disclosures and deposit rules.

These are the clauses and disclosures our California template carries. Each cites the statute it comes from; the ones marked checkbox are filled from your property's answers.

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Mold disclosureLandlord has knowledge of mold and/or mold conditions that affect the Premises or common areas. Landlord has no knowledg...Cal. Health & Safety Code §26147checkbox
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Bed bug disclosureLandlord discloses to Tenant the following information regarding bedbugs (Cimex lectularius): Bedbugs are small, reddish...Cal. Civ. Code §1954.603
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Floodplain disclosureThe Premises is located in a special flood hazard area (Zone A or Zone V) as designated by FEMA, or in an area of potent...Cal. Civ. Code §8589.45checkbox
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Ab1482 noticeThis property subject to the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482).IF SUBJECT: This property is subject to California...Cal. Civ. Code §1946.2 (AB 1482, Tenant Prot...
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Smoking policySmoking of tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, marijuana, or any other substance is: Prohibited in the Premises, in...Cal. Gov. Code §12955; local ordinancescheckbox
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Security deposit limit noticeUnder California law, the total security deposit (including any pet deposit or other refundable deposit) may not exceed:...Cal. Civ. Code §1950.5
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Security deposit return termsWithin twenty-one (21) calendar days after Tenant vacates the Premises, Landlord shall provide Tenant with: (a) A writte...Cal. Civ. Code §1950.5(g)
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Military ordnance disclosureTenant is hereby notified that the Premises is located within one mile of a former federal or state ordnance location. T...Cal. Civ. Code §1940.7
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Move-in inspectionTenant has the right to request an initial inspection of the Premises prior to move-out. Landlord shall provide at least...Cal. Civ. Code §1950.5(f)
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Repair & habitability noticeUnder California law, Landlord is required to maintain the Premises in a habitable condition. If Landlord fails to repai...Cal. Civ. Code §1941, §1942
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Universal clauses (11)Lead-based paint (pre-1978), pets, utilities, entry, subletting, holdover, notices, signatures — the parts every state shares.

How it works

1 · Answer eight questionsProperty, unit, tenant, rent, deposit, term, pets, utilities. The California checkboxes come from your property record.
2 · Review the leaseEvery California clause is in place with its statute. Edit any paragraph; required disclosures can't be removed by accident.
3 · E-sign & collect rentTenant signs on their phone. The signed PDF, autopay and the move-in checklist attach to the tenant automatically.

California lease FAQ

Does California cap security deposits?

Yes — the cap is one month’s rent, and it must be returned within 21 days. The template states both in the deposit clause.

What late fee can a California landlord charge?

Must be a reasonable estimate of costs The template carries the rule and the grace period you set.

Is a lead-paint disclosure required?

For any building built before 1978, yes — it is federal (42 U.S.C. § 4852d). The template includes the EPA pamphlet acknowledgment automatically.

Is this lease legally binding once e-signed?

Yes. Electronic signatures are valid under the federal E-SIGN Act and California's UETA; the signed PDF, audit trail and timestamps are stored with the tenant record.

Can I edit the template?

Every paragraph is editable before signing. Clauses California requires are marked and cannot be removed by accident.

Other California landlord documents

Rental applicationWith screening consent California eviction notice3 days for non-payment California rent increase noticeMonth-to-month and renewal Deposit return letterItemized, on time

California landlord-tenant laws · California rent increase rules · Deposit limits by state · All 50 state templates

Generate your California lease in about ten minutes

Free, e-signature included, every California disclosure already in it.

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The clause list mirrors the California disclosure set in the My Rental Spot lease builder and is reviewed against California Civil Code § 1950.5 and related landlord-tenant sections. General information for landlords, not legal advice; local ordinances can add requirements.

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Browse every template Eviction Notice Create a clear eviction notice using a free landlord form. Lease Agreement Start with a free residential lease agreement template. Maintenance Request Document repair requests with a simple maintenance form. Move In Checklist Record property condition at the start of a tenancy. Rent Increase Notice Notify a tenant of a rent change in writing. Tenant Reference Request consistent rental-history information from references.