California Rent-to-Own (Lease Option) Agreement

Last updated September 26th, 2022

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A California rent-to-own agreement is a combined lease and proposed purchase agreement for residential property that is signed by a property owner and a potential buyer. Under the contract, the buyer/tenant agrees to pay monthly rent for an agreed-upon term with the option to buy the residence before or at the end of the rental period.

Due to the fact that the tenant will likely purchase the leased space, they will often be solely responsible for upkeep and repairs while they are renting.  By entering into a lease-option arrangement, interested buyers can improve their chances of being approved for a mortgage during the rental period by raising their credit and ameliorating their financial situation.

Rental Laws Civil Code – Division 3, Part 4, Title 5, Chapter 2 (Hiring of Real Property)

Purchase Agreement Laws Civil Code – Division 2, Part 4 (Acquisition of Property)


Disclosures (15)

  1. AB 1482 Just Cause Addendum
  2. Bedbug Disclosure
  3. Death on Premises
  4. Demolition
  5. Flood
  6. Just Cause
  7. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
  8. Megan’s Law
  9. Methamphetamine Contamination
  10. Ordnance Locations
  11. Pest Control
  12. Shared Utilities
  13. Smoking Policy
  14. Toxic Mold
  15. Water Submeter Addendum

1) AB 1482 Just Cause Addendum

If the property is not subject to rent limits and just cause requirements mentioned in the state statutes, then the landlord must provide this form to the tenant.

2) Bedbug Disclosure

Landlords must provide information regarding the management and prevention of bed bugs to tenants.

3) Death on Premises

Landlords are required to disclose any deaths that happened in the unit in the last three (3) years unless the deceased had HIV or died of AIDS-related complications.

4) Demolition

If the landlord has applied for a permit to demolish a residential unit, then any prospective tenants must be informed.

5) Flood

Landlords must provide written notice if the rental unit is located in a flood hazard area.

6) Just Cause

The Landlord is required to provide the following notification or lease provision to the Tenant unless the real property meets certain requirements in § 1946.2(f)(3) of the California Civil Code:

California law limits the amount your rent can be increased. See Section 1947.12 of the Civil Code for more information. California law also provides that after all of the tenants have continuously and lawfully occupied the property for 12 months or more or at least one of the tenants has continuously and lawfully occupied the property for 24 months or more, a landlord must provide a statement of cause in any notice to terminate a tenancy. See Section 1946.2 of the Civil Code for more information.

7) Lead-Based Paint Disclosure

Must be signed by both the lessor and the lessee if the rental unit was constructed before 1978.

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8) Megan’s Law

Every lease agreement must include certain language stated in the state statutes regarding sex offenders located in the area of the rental unit.

9) Methamphetamine Contamination

A copy of a remediation order must be given to new tenants if the dwelling was been considered contaminated with methamphetamines and is subject to remediation.

10) Ordnance Locations

If the rental unit is located near a location that was used as a state or federal ordnance location, then new tenants must be notified.

11) Pest Control

A notice from a pest control company must be given to new tenants if landlords have been using pest control services periodically.

12) Shared Utilities

If tenants are sharing an electrical or gas meter, then landlords must disclose how these costs are split amongst the different renters.

13) Smoking Policy

Every lease agreement must inform tenants of all prohibited smoking areas.

14) Toxic Mold

If the landlord has any knowledge of mold present in the dwelling or building, then written notice must be provided to tenants.

15) Water Submeter Addendum

If the premises uses a water submeter, the landlord must complete the Water Submeter Addendum form and attach it to the lease. The form discloses how the tenant will be billed for water and an estimate of what the cost will be.


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