California (CA) lease form
Quick answer
California leases must include disclosures on mold, smoking policy, pest control, shared utilities, military ordnance proximity, flood hazards, and bed bugs, among others. While no statute mandates a written lease for any specific term, California's many required disclosures are virtually impossible to deliver properly without a written agreement. Federal lead-paint disclosure applies to pre-1978 units, and the Tenant Protection Act notice is required for covered properties.
Revun generates a California-ready lease with the required disclosures and clauses built in, then handles e-signature, rent, and renewals on the same platform.
Landlords who know or have reason to know of mold exceeding permissible exposure limits must provide a written mold disclosure before signing (Health & Safety Code §26147).
If gas or electric service to the tenant's unit also serves other areas, landlords must disclose this arrangement and how costs are allocated before signing (Civ. Code §1940.9).
Landlords must disclose in writing where smoking is permitted, limited, or prohibited on the property for leases signed after January 1, 2012 (Civ. Code §1947.5).
Landlords must disclose in writing if the property is in a flood hazard area or area of potential flooding for leases signed after July 1, 2018 (Civ. Code §8589.45).
Federal law requires landlords of pre-1978 units to disclose known lead hazards and provide the EPA pamphlet; California also provides its own lead disclosure form.
General information, not legal advice. Governing statute: Cal. Civ. Code §§1940 to 1954.06 (Hiring of Real Property) and related Health & Safety Code provisions. Confirm current requirements or consult an attorney before finalizing a lease.
California lease FAQ
No statute mandates a written lease for any specific term, but the sheer volume of required disclosures makes a written agreement practically necessary to document compliance.
Properties covered by AB 1482 (Civ. Code §1946.2) must include a written notice stating rent increase limits and just-cause eviction protections apply after 12 months of tenancy.
Yes, as long as the smoking policy is disclosed in writing in the lease before signing. The policy can cover the entire property including private balconies.
Section 1953 voids any clause waiving tenant rights, remedies, notices, procedural litigation rights, or the landlord's duty of care to prevent personal injury.
