California · Fixed-term lease · Free to generate and download
California Residential Lease Agreement
California does not publish an official statewide lease form. What it does require is a stack of disclosures, a hard cap on security deposits, and habitability duties that override anything you write in the contract. This generator builds a fixed-term residential lease around those rules.
- Security deposits are generally capped at one month’s rent (Civ. Code § 1950.5 / AB 12).
- The implied warranty of habitability cannot be waived.
- Megan’s Law, bed bug, smoking, and AB 1482 notices belong in the lease, not in a side conversation.
- On Review, download a free move-in packet: this document, a condition checklist, and selected addenda in one PDF.
Related California documents
- California Residential Rental Application. A written application for a residential rental. It is not a lease and not a consumer report.
- California Month-to-Month Rental Agreement. A periodic tenancy that continues until either party gives proper notice.
- California Guarantor / Co-Signer Addendum. An add-on to an existing lease in which another person guarantees the tenant’s rent and other lease duties. It does not make the guarantor a tenant.
- California Move-In Condition Checklist. A condition inventory completed at move-in. It is not a lease.
- California Pet Addendum. An add-on to an existing lease that names the animals, pet deposit or rent, and care rules. Assistance animals are not pets.
- California Notice of Rent Increase. Written notice that rent will change on a stated date. It is not an eviction and not a substitute for a signed amendment or renewal.
Frequently asked questions
Plain-language answers about California fixed-term lease papers. LeaseGen.io is not a law firm. Confirm current statutes before anyone signs.
- What is a California residential lease agreement?
- A residential lease is a written contract between a landlord and tenant. It sets rent, the term, deposits, and house rules. In California, 1× rent Unused deposit money is generally due within 21 days after the tenancy ends, with an itemized list of lawful deductions.
- Do I need a written lease in California?
- Even when California law does not require every lease to be in writing, a signed paper protects both sides. Oral deals are hard to prove in court. This generator builds a fixed-term lease with state-specific deposit, notice, and disclosure language.
- What should a California lease include?
- At minimum: parties, property address, rent and due date, term dates, deposit amount, maintenance duties, entry rules, and required disclosures. California commonly requires about 4 statewide disclosures on residential leases. The generator adds those that apply to your answers.
- Is this the same as a rental application?
- No. An application collects information before you choose a tenant. A lease creates the tenancy after both sides agree. Run screening separately and only sign a lease with the tenant you select.