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California lease setup checklist.

Print this and check off each item before you send a California lease to a tenant. It's free, and it works whether or not you use LeaseSigning.

California required steps

• Confirm the security deposit cap

  1 month's rent (effective July 2024, AB 12) (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5 (AB 12)).

• Set a lease-compliant late fee

  Must reflect actual damages; flat fees often challenged Allow a 3-day grace period.

• Plan entry-notice language

  Give at least 24 hours' notice before entering, absent an emergency.

• Set month-to-month termination notice

  30 or 60 days (depending on tenancy length).

• Attach every required disclosure

  Lead-based paint, Mold, Megan's Law, Bedbug, Flood hazard, Demolition, Death on property (3 years), Pest control.

• Plan deposit return timing

  21 days (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5 (AB 12)).

• Collect state-specific lease fields

  AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act) status, AB 1482 exemption reason (if exempt), AB 1482 notice provided to tenant?, Owner entity (LLC / individual / trust).