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Create a Free Lease Agreement for California in 60 Seconds

Describe your rental situation in plain language. SignAI generates a complete, California-compliant Lease Agreement — then sign and send it to your tenant or landlord. No templates, no lawyers, no hassle.

No credit card required
1 free document
E-signatures included

Lease Agreement

State of California

Ready to Sign
PartiesYour Name ↔ Counterparty
JurisdictionCalifornia, United States
TypeLease Agreement
GeneratedIn ~30 seconds by AI
Your Signature
Awaiting Counterparty

60s

Average creation time

$0

Free to create & sign

100%

100% Legally binding in CA

0

Templates to search

Why Your California Lease Agreement Matters

California has some of the most extensive tenant protection laws in the country. The California Civil Code §1940–1954.06 governs residential tenancies, and the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482) imposes statewide rent caps and just-cause eviction requirements on most rental properties. Getting your lease wrong in California can expose landlords to significant liability.

Security deposits in California are capped at two months' rent for unfurnished units and three months' for furnished. Starting in 2024, the cap became one month's rent under AB 12. Landlords must return deposits within 21 days with an itemized statement. California also mandates numerous disclosures — including lead paint, mold, Megan's Law database access, bed bug history, military ordnance locations, and flooding risks. Missing even one can void certain lease provisions.

SignAI generates your California lease with every required element — AB 1482 rent cap compliance, proper security deposit terms under Civil Code §1950.5, all mandatory disclosures, just-cause eviction provisions, and California-specific governing law clauses. Your lease reflects current California law, not outdated templates.

How it works

Three steps to a signed California Lease Agreement

No templates, no forms, no lawyers. Just describe what you need.

1

Describe your Lease Agreement

Type something like "I need a Lease Agreement for California" — no legal jargon needed. Answer a few quick follow-up questions and you're done.

2

Review & sign

AI generates a complete, California-specific Lease Agreement in seconds — with proper headings, numbered sections, and signature blocks. Edit anything you want, then type your name to sign.

3

Send for signature

Enter the other party's email and hit send. They review and sign without creating an account. Both parties get a copy. Done.

What's included

What Your California Lease Agreement Includes

Every Lease Agreement generated by SignAI for California includes these essential provisions — automatically.

Party & Property Details

Full legal names of landlord and tenant, property address, unit description, and identification of the rental premises in California.

Rent & Payment Terms

Monthly rent amount, due date, AB 1482 rent cap compliance (5% + CPI annual increase limit), grace period, and late fee provisions.

Security Deposit Clause

Deposit amount compliant with California Civil Code §1950.5 caps, deduction conditions, and the 21-day return timeline with itemized statement requirement.

Required California Disclosures

Lead paint, mold, bed bug history, Megan's Law, demolition plans, flooding zone, military ordnance, and all other disclosures mandated by California law.

Just-Cause Eviction Provisions

AB 1482 just-cause eviction requirements for covered properties, including at-fault and no-fault grounds with required relocation assistance terms.

California Governing Law

Governing law clause specifying California jurisdiction, compliance with Civil Code §1940-1954, AB 1482, and venue for California courts.

Use cases

Common Uses for Lease Agreements in California

People in California use SignAI to create Lease Agreements for a wide range of situations. Here are the most popular:

Los Angeles Apartment Rental

LA has both state (AB 1482) and local rent stabilization (LARSO). Your lease must comply with both layers of regulation, including proper notices and allowable rent increases.

Try it: I need a lease agreement for an apartment I'm renting out in Los Angeles, California

San Francisco Rental with Rent Control

San Francisco's Rent Ordinance adds additional protections beyond state law. Leases need specific provisions for rent board compliance, buyout agreements, and just-cause eviction.

Try it: I need a lease agreement for a rent-controlled unit in San Francisco

Student Housing Near UC Campus

Near UC Berkeley, UCLA, or UC San Diego, student rentals require clear academic-year terms, roommate provisions, and compliance with both state and local tenant protections.

Try it: I need a lease for a student apartment near UC Berkeley in California

Silicon Valley Tech Worker Rental

High-cost Bay Area rentals in San Jose, Palo Alto, or Mountain View need precise terms on security deposits, rent increases, and the unique local ordinances that apply in these cities.

Try it: I need a lease agreement for a rental property in San Jose, California

FAQ

California Lease Agreement — Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Lease Agreement legally binding in California?

Yes. A signed lease is enforceable under California Civil Code §1940-1954. California requires written leases for tenancies longer than one year under the statute of frauds. SignAI's e-signatures are valid under California's Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (Civil Code §1633.1) and the federal ESIGN Act.

What is California's rent increase limit?

Under AB 1482 (the Tenant Protection Act), most California landlords cannot raise rent more than 5% plus the local Consumer Price Index, or 10% — whichever is lower — in any 12-month period. Some properties are exempt, including single-family homes (if not owned by a corporation) and buildings less than 15 years old. Local ordinances in cities like LA, SF, and Oakland may impose stricter limits.

What is the security deposit limit in California?

As of July 2024 under AB 12, California caps security deposits at one month's rent for most landlords, regardless of whether the unit is furnished or unfurnished. Small landlords who own no more than two properties with four or fewer units can still charge up to two months' rent. Deposits must be returned within 21 days with an itemized deduction statement.

What disclosures are required in a California lease?

California mandates extensive disclosures including: lead-based paint (pre-1978 buildings), mold, bed bug infestation history, proximity to former military ordnance, flooding and fire hazard zones, Megan's Law database information, demolition intentions, and whether the property has been used to manufacture methamphetamine. Missing disclosures can expose landlords to penalties.

Can a California landlord evict without cause?

For properties covered by AB 1482, no. Landlords must have just cause, either at-fault (nonpayment, lease violation, nuisance) or no-fault (owner move-in, substantial renovation, withdrawal from rental market). No-fault evictions require relocation assistance equal to one month's rent. Properties exempt from AB 1482 may allow no-cause termination with proper notice.

Pricing

Create Your First Lease Agreement Free

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Starter

Free

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  • 1 send included
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  • PDF download

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$12/month

For professionals who regularly need legal documents.

  • 10 documents per month
  • 10 sends per month
  • Any type of legal document
  • Legally binding e-signatures
  • Email notifications
  • PDF download

Business

$29/month

For teams that need high volume.

  • Unlimited documents
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  • Any type of legal document
  • Legally binding e-signatures
  • Email notifications
  • PDF download

Stop Searching for Lease Templates

Describe what you need. AI creates a California-compliant Lease Agreement in seconds. Sign and send — all in one place.