California · Standard edition

California Lease Renewal Agreement Template

Create a California lease renewal agreement online to extend a residential lease. The Standard renewal covers the renewal term, rent, security deposit, late fees, changes to the lease, continuation of the original lease, condition of the premises, and California rules on deposits, late fees, and rent increases.

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California rules built into this template

  • Deposit limit: The deposit 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 the tenant vacates the premises (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5).
  • Rent changes: For a month-to-month tenancy, California requires at least 30 days' written notice of a rent increase of 10% or less, and at least 90 days' notice if the increase, together with any other increases in the past 12 months, is more than 10% (Cal. Civ. Code § 827). If the unit is covered by the Tenant Protection Act, total increases in any 12-month period may not exceed 5% plus the regional change in the cost of living, or 10%, whichever is lower (Cal. Civ. Code § 1947.12), and a local rent control ordinance may set lower limits. A rent increase may not be made in retaliation for the tenant exercising legal rights (Cal. Civ. Code § 1942.5).

What the Lease Renewal Agreement includes

  1. Renewal Term
  2. Rent
  3. Security Deposit
  4. Late Fees
  5. Changes to the Lease
  6. Continuation of the Lease
  7. Condition of Premises
  8. State Law
  9. General Provisions
  10. Governing Law

Frequently asked questions

Does a landlord have to renew a lease in California?
Not always. If the unit is covered by the Tenant Protection Act, a landlord generally needs just cause to end a tenancy after 12 months, and rent increases are capped (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1946.2, 1947.12). Local ordinances may add protections.
Is a lease renewal a new lease?
A renewal extends the existing lease for a new term, usually with the same terms except those the parties change, such as the rent. The Standard renewal keeps all original lease terms in effect unless it states a change.
What is the difference between the Standard and Professional Lease Renewal Agreement?
The Standard edition is a complete, state-aware Lease Renewal 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.

Lease Renewal Agreement templates for other states

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