Free California Rental Agreement
State-specific residential lease form with California landlord-tenant law requirements built in. Fill online, download a signed-ready PDF in minutes.
Security Deposit Max
2 months' rent (unfurnished) / 3 months' rent (furnished)
Notice Period
30 days
Notary Required
No
What's in the California lease
- Landlord and tenant legal names
- Property address and unit number
- Monthly rent and due date
- Security deposit amount
- Lease start and end dates
- Late payment penalty clause
- Pet addendum section
- Maintenance responsibilities
- Entry notice requirements
- Termination and renewal terms
California landlord-tenant rules
Deposit limit
2 months' rent (unfurnished) / 3 months' rent (furnished)
Lease termination notice
30 days written notice
Notarization
Not required
California Rental Agreement Requirements
The California residential lease agreement must comply with the state's landlord-tenant statutes. The maximum security deposit is 2 months' rent (unfurnished) / 3 months' rent (furnished). Landlords must provide at least 30 days written notice for lease termination or significant changes to tenancy terms.
InvoDraft's California lease template includes all standard required disclosures, state-mandated notice periods, and clauses for pet deposits, maintenance responsibilities, and late payment penalties.
California requires a bill of sale (REG 135) when transferring a vehicle between private parties. The California DMV requires the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) to be filed by the seller within 5 days of the sale at dmv.ca.gov. This is critical in California because it releases the seller from liability for parking tickets, accidents, and other incidents. The bill of sale must include the vehicle's VIN, license plate number, odometer reading, sale price, and signatures of both parties. California does not require notarization for a vehicle bill of sale. The buyer has 10 days to transfer the title and register the vehicle with the CA DMV.
Not legal advice. For complex tenancy situations, disputes, or properties with unique circumstances, consult a licensed attorney in California.
California rental agreement - common questions
Is a verbal rental agreement valid in California?
Verbal rental agreements are technically valid in California for leases under one year, but they are extremely difficult to enforce. A written lease protects both landlord and tenant and documents the exact terms agreed to.
What must a California rental agreement include?
A California lease must include the names of all parties, the property address, monthly rent amount, due date, security deposit amount, lease term, notice period (30 days), and signatures of both parties. The security deposit cannot exceed 2 months' rent (unfurnished) / 3 months' rent (furnished).
How much notice is required to terminate a lease in California?
California requires 30 days written notice from either landlord or tenant to terminate a month-to-month rental agreement. For fixed-term leases, the end date serves as the termination date unless renewed.
What is the security deposit limit in California?
The maximum security deposit in California is 2 months' rent (unfurnished) / 3 months' rent (furnished). Landlords must return the deposit (or itemized deductions) within the state-mandated return period.
Can a landlord enter the property without notice in California?
No. California requires at least 2-day written notice before a landlord may enter a rental property, except in genuine emergencies.
Rental agreements for other states:
Ready to create your California lease?
Fill the form online, both parties sign, done. Free for your first 3 documents.
Create free California lease