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Attorney-Approved California Lease Agreement Form

A California Lease Agreement form is a legally binding document between a landlord and a tenant, laying out the terms and conditions of renting property in California. It defines everything from the rent amount to the duration of the lease, ensuring both parties have a clear understanding of their obligations and rights. This form serves as a critical tool for establishing a transparent and fair rental arrangement.

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In sunny California, renting property is a common venture for both landlords and tenants, making the California Lease Agreement form an essential document for both parties involved. This form, tailored to meet the state's specific laws and regulations, serves as a binding contract that outlines the responsibilities and rights of both the landlord and the tenant. It covers a wide range of topics including, but not limited to, the duration of the lease, monthly rent, security deposits, and maintenance obligations. Additionally, it addresses important stipulations regarding renewals, terminations, and potential modifications to the agreement. With its comprehensive nature, the California Lease Agreement form acts as a safeguard for both parties, ensuring a clear understanding of expectations and duties throughout the rental period. Hence, this document is not only a legal requirement but also a critical tool in promoting a harmonious landlord-tenant relationship.

Example - California Lease Agreement Form

California Lease Agreement

This California Lease Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into as of _______ [Date], by and between _______ [Landlord's Name], ("Landlord"), and _______ [Tenant's Name], ("Tenant"). The property to be leased is located at _______ [Property Address] ("Premises"). This Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions outlined below and is governed by the laws of the State of California, including but not limited to the California Civil Code.

1. Term of the Lease

The lease begins on _______ [Start Date] and ends on _______ [End Date], unless earlier terminated in accordance with this Agreement or extended by mutual written agreement of the parties.

2. Rent

Rent is $_______ [Rent Amount] per month, payable on the first day of each month. The first payment is due on _______ [First Payment Date]. If rent is not paid within five (5) calendar days of its due date, a late fee of $_______ [Late Fee Amount] will be incurred.

3. Security Deposit

A security deposit of $_______ [Security Deposit Amount] is due at the signing of this Agreement. It may be used to cover any unpaid rent, repair of damages to the premises not caused by normal wear and tear, and any other obligations under this Agreement. This deposit will be returned within 21 days after the Tenant vacates the Premises, minus any deductions for repairs or unpaid rent, in accordance with California law.

4. Use of the Premises

The Premises are to be used only as a private residence by the Tenant(s) listed in this Agreement and their immediate family. No other use is permitted without the Landlord’s prior written consent.

5. Maintenance and Repairs

Tenant(s) agree to keep the Premises in a clean and sanitary condition and to immediately report any damage, malfunction, or needed repairs to the Landlord. The Landlord is responsible for repairs to the structure of the building, electrical, plumbing, heating, and other systems not caused by Tenant negligence or misuse.

6. Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without giving effect to any principles of conflicts of law.

7. Amendments

Any amendments to this Agreement must be written and signed by both parties.

8. Landlord and Tenant Information

Landlord’s Name: _______
Landlord’s Address: _______
Tenant’s Name(s): _______
Tenant’s Address (if different from Premises): _______

9. Signatures

This Agreement is executed on the date first above written and acknowledges the understanding and agreement of both parties as to the terms and conditions herein.

Landlord Signature: ___________________________ Date: _______

Tenant Signature(s): ___________________________ Date: _______

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PDF Overview

Fact	Detail
Governing Law	The California Lease Agreement is governed by the California Civil Code §§ 1940-1954.1 and §§ 1961-1995.340.
Security Deposit	Under California law, a landlord can demand up to two months' rent for unfurnished properties and three months' rent for furnished ones as a security deposit.
Rent Increase Notice	Landlords must provide a 30-day notice for rent increases under 10% and a 90-day notice for increases over 10% within a 12-month period.
Mandatory Disclosures	Landlords are required to disclose known lead-based paint hazards, the property's flooding history in the last five years, and if the rental unit is in a seismic hazard zone.
Rental Terms	Every lease agreement must clearly state the rental term, whether it's a fixed-term lease or month-to-month, along with the amount of rent and its due date.

Key takeaways

When embarking on filling out and using the California Lease Agreement form, there are key takeaways to keep in mind to ensure the process is smooth and effective. Here's what you need to know:

The California Lease Agreement form should clearly outline the responsibilities of both the landlord and the tenant to avoid any future disputes.
Ensure all parties have a clear understanding of the terms of the lease, including rent amount, due dates, and any penalties for late payments.
All security deposit details, including amount and conditions for return, need to be explicitly stated in the agreement.
Include specifications regarding property maintenance and who is responsible for repairs to avoid confusion during the lease term.
The agreement must comply with all relevant California state laws, including those pertaining to rent control and eviction procedures.
Specify the lease duration, whether it’s a fixed-term or a month-to-month lease, to set clear expectations for both parties.
Include a clause about property use to ensure the tenant uses the property only for approved purposes, protecting the landlord’s investment.
Provisions for renewal or termination of the lease should be included, outlining how each party can move forward when the lease ends.
Don't forget to document any included amenities or furnishings provided with the rental to prevent any future disputes.
Both landlord and tenant should thoroughly review and understand every part of the lease agreement before signing.
Making sure the document is signed and dated by all parties is crucial for its enforcement and validity.

By keeping these takeaways in mind, you can ensure that the California Lease Agreement form is filled out comprehensively and serves its intended purpose effectively, safeguarding the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved.

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