California · Standard edition

California Residential Lease Agreement Template

Create a California residential lease agreement online. The Standard lease covers rent, the security deposit, maintenance, landlord entry, default, move-out, and required disclosures, and it applies California rules on security deposits, and landlord entry notice automatically when you select California.

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California rules built into this template

  • Security deposit limit: may not exceed one month's Rent (two months' Rent for qualifying small landlords) (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5).
  • Deposit return: within 21 days after Tenant vacates the Premises (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5).
  • Landlord entry: at least 24 hours' notice for non-emergency entry (Cal. Civ. Code § 1954).
  • City and county ordinances in California (for example rent stabilization or just-cause rules) may add further requirements.

What the Residential Lease Agreement includes

  1. Premises
  2. Term
  3. Rent
  4. Late Payment and Returned Payments
  5. Security Deposit
  6. Utilities and Services
  7. Use and Occupancy
  8. Pets and Smoking
  9. Maintenance and Repairs
  10. Alterations and Locks
  11. Landlord's Access
  12. Assignment and Subletting
  13. Insurance and Liability
  14. Default and Remedies
  15. Termination and Move-Out
  16. Disclosures
  17. Notices
  18. State-Specific Terms
  19. General Provisions

Frequently asked questions

How long does a California landlord have to return a security deposit?
Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5, the landlord must return the deposit, with an itemized statement of any lawful deductions, within 21 days after Tenant vacates the Premises. The DraftMyDocu California lease includes this deadline.
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in California?
California law provides that a residential security deposit may not exceed one month's Rent (two months' Rent for qualifying small landlords) (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5).
What is the difference between the Standard and Professional Residential Lease Agreement?
The Standard edition is a complete, state-aware Residential Lease Agreement for common situations. The Professional edition adds longer clause coverage, schedules, and optional modules for more complex matters. You can preview either edition free before you pay.

Residential Lease Agreement templates for other states

DraftMyDocu provides self-help document templates only. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice.

Start your California Residential Lease Agreement