Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1940-1954.05
Free California residential lease template.
California is the most tenant-protective state in the US. As of July 1, 2024, AB 12 caps security deposits at one (1) month rent regardless of furnished status (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5). Landlords must give 24 hours notice before entry, return deposits within 21 days, and provide statewide just-cause eviction protections under the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482) for most multi-family properties.
Template information updated September 2026.
Download blank California lease (PDF or Word)
Free download. 6 statute citations and 4 state-specific disclosures included. Email is required for access; marketing consent is optional.
What is in this California template
The template is organized around the state statutes summarized below and identifies state-specific disclosures such as Mold disclosure (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 26147) and Methamphetamine contamination disclosure (§ 25400.28). Some notices use prescribed statutory wording and should not be removed without checking the cited law.
Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(c)
Security deposit cap (AB 12)
Capped at 1× monthly rent for all rental properties, effective July 1, 2024.
Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(g)
Deposit return
Refund + itemized statement within 21 days of move-out.
Cal. Civ. Code § 1954
Notice to enter
24 hours written notice except in emergency.
Cal. Civ. Code § 1946.1
Notice to terminate (m2m)
60 days landlord notice if tenancy ≥ 1 year, else 30; tenant 30 days.
Cal. Civ. Code § 1947.12
Statewide rent control (AB 1482)
For most multi-family. Annual increases capped at CPI + 5%, max 10%.
Cal. Civ. Code § 1946.7
Domestic violence termination
14 days notice with qualifying documentation.
Required disclosures in California
- ·Mold disclosure (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 26147)
- ·Methamphetamine contamination disclosure (§ 25400.28)
- ·Federal lead-paint disclosure (pre-1978 properties)
- ·Megan's Law database notice
Quick reference for California landlords
| Security deposit cap | 1× (AB 12, eff. July 2024) |
|---|---|
| Deposit return deadline | 21 days from move-out |
| Notice before entry | 24 hours (Cal. Civ. Code § 1954) |
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Is the template really free?
Yes. An email address is required to access the download, but creating an account and joining marketing emails are not required.
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Yes. Choose DOCX for an editable file that opens in Word, Google Docs, Apple Pages, or LibreOffice. Choose PDF for printing or signing as-is.
Does it cover local city rules?
It covers the statewide foundation described on this page. Cities and counties may impose additional rent-control, disclosure, licensing, or eviction requirements, so check the rules where the property is located.
LeaseDrafts is a document generator, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. This template is based on the California landlord-tenant code as of the date shown on the document. Always review the final lease with a licensed California attorney before using it.