This California residential lease agreement template is for landlords and property managers who need a clear written rental contract for a California dwelling — whether a single-family home, condo, duplex, or apartment unit. Tenants who want to understand typical lease terms before signing may also use it as a reference. It is a self-help sample template, not a substitute for advice from a licensed California attorney, and it is labeled pending attorney review.
Who it is for. Small landlords with one or a few units, new hosts converting a spare unit to a rental, and owners who want English and Spanish guidance in the same flow. It is not designed as a commercial lease, short-term vacation rental agreement, or subsidized-housing program form.
California rules in general terms. California residential tenancies are shaped by the Civil Code and related statutes. Landlords commonly address rent amount and due date, late fees that must be reasonable, security deposit limits (often framed around two months rent for unfurnished units and three for furnished, with different rules for some small landlords), habitability and repair responsibilities, entry notice expectations, and pet or smoking policies. Statewide rent-cap and just-cause rules under the Tenant Protection Act (often called AB 1482) may apply depending on the property age, ownership, and local exemptions. Cities and counties can add rent control, relocation, or registration rules on top of state law. Lead-based paint, mold, and other disclosure topics may apply depending on the building age and condition. This page explains concepts in plain language only; it does not decide whether AB 1482 or a local ordinance covers your unit.
What is included. A guided questionnaire collects parties, premises address, term (fixed or month-to-month), rent and deposits, utilities, occupants, pets, and key house rules. The generated sample document presents recitals, numbered sections, optional exhibits for common California disclosures, initial lines, and a signature block suitable for printing or PDF/DOCX download. English and Spanish UI are available; if both language versions exist, the English text is intended to control.
How to use it. Preview free, complete the wizard, review the filled sample, then pay once ($24) via Stripe if you want to keep the download. There is no subscription. Local counsel should review before you rely on the document for an eviction, deposit dispute, or unusual property situation.
CaliFormas is not a law firm. This page provides general information only.
Before you start
- Full names of all adult tenants and the landlord / manager
- Complete premises address (with unit number)
- Lease term (fixed end date or month-to-month) and start date
- Monthly rent, due date, and security deposit amount
- Utilities split, occupants, pets, and key house rules
- Any required local or lead-paint disclosure facts you already have
What you get
- Filled sample document you can preview before paying
- Download as PDF and Microsoft Word (DOCX)
- Bilingual English / Spanish questionnaire and document options
- Short instructions cover with the sample (pending attorney review)
- One-time Stripe checkout — no subscription