Free Tenant Forms & Templates – California 2025

Skip drafting from scratch—our pre-built letters let you copy, personalise, and deliver in minutes. Each template cites the exact California Civil Code or Code of Civil Procedure section so landlords recognise your rights. Whether you need to demand a deposit refund under Civil Code § 1950.5 or request urgent repairs, these free tenant forms help you act fast and stay compliant. Save hours, avoid costly mistakes, and move disputes toward resolution with law-backed wording that works.

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Tenants reviewing rental paperwork before mailing a demand letter

Security-Deposit Demand Letter Template

Your landlord has 21 days to refund your deposit or provide an itemised deduction statement under Civil Code § 1950.5. If that deadline passes, the statute presumes bad faith. Our free tenant form frames the demand in plain English while preserving your right to sue for up to twice the deposit in small claims court. The template walks you through critical fields—move-out date, forwarding address, and a five-day response deadline—so your next step is crystal clear.

How to send:

  • Print and sign with blue or black ink.
  • Mail certified with return receipt, or hand-deliver with a witness.
  • Keep copies of photos, lease, and payment ledger to attach as exhibits.

Pro Tip: Attach dated move-out photos to discourage inflated damage claims.

View Sample

Statute: Civ. Code § 1950.5 – 21 day deadline

Repair Request Letter Template

California’s implied warranty of habitability (Civ. Code § 1941) requires landlords to fix essential services—plumbing, heat, electricity—within a “reasonable” period, often 30 days or 24 hours for emergencies. This repair request template cites the statute, sets a 7-day repair schedule, and preserves your right to repair-and-deduct or withhold rent under Civ. Code § 1942.

  • Bullet checklist for describing defects clearly.
  • Optional entry window for legal 24-hour notice.
  • Follow-up timeline if no action is taken.

Attach photos and keep all communication logs.

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Statute: Civ. Code §§ 1941 & 1942 – Habitability & Remedies

30-Day Notice to Vacate Template

Month-to-month tenants generally owe a 30-day notice (60 days if in residence for ≥12 months) under Civ. Code § 1946. Our notice form lists move-out date, rent prorate, and forwarding address—all the details property managers need for a smooth transition. The template also reminds the landlord of your pre move-out inspection right to spot deductions early.

  • Certified-mail and hand-delivery instructions.
  • Optional request for electronic confirmation.
  • Space for roommates’ signatures if applicable.

Verify local ordinances—some cities extend notice periods.

View Sample

Statute: Civ. Code § 1946 – 30/60-day rule

Roommate Agreement Addendum Template

Splitting rent without a written plan invites disputes. This addendum clarifies each roommate’s obligations—rent shares, chores, guest limits, deposit reimbursement—so everyone stays friends and compliant with joint-and-several liability clauses. Attach it to the master lease and give a copy to the landlord to avoid “unauthorised occupant” accusations under CCP § 1161.

  • Equal or pro-rated rent split options.
  • Quiet-hours and guest policies.
  • Deposit repayment formula if someone leaves early.

Pro Tip: Update the addendum every time someone moves in or out.

View Sample

Suggested Statute: Civ. Code § 1950.5 – Shared deposit

ADA Accommodation Request Template

California and federal fair-housing laws require “reasonable accommodations” for tenants with disabilities. Use this template to request modifications such as grab bars, reserved parking, or service-animal waivers. It references Gov. Code § 12955 and 24 CFR § 100.204, gives the landlord five days to respond, and includes optional medical-need verification language.

  • Check-box list of common modifications.
  • Section for physician or therapist statement.
  • Reminder that tenant pays for removal only if agreed.

Attach supporting documents securely—never share full medical files.

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Statute: Gov. Code § 12955 – Fair Housing

Small-Claims Evidence Packet Checklist

Preparing for small claims over an unreturned deposit or repair costs? This checklist template structures your exhibits: lease, photos, certified-mail receipts, text messages, and cost ledgers. It mirrors Judicial Council Form SC-104 for proof of service and reminds you to bring three copies of everything—one each for you, the landlord, and the judge.

  • Chronological evidence log fields.
  • QR-code placeholder for digital exhibits.
  • Deposition date calculator linked to Notice Calculator.

Pro Tip: Practice a 60-second opening statement—judges appreciate brevity.

View Sample

Statute: CCP § 1161 et seq. – Unlawful Detainer

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Replace bracketed items, then click the clipboard icon.

How to Customise Any Template

  1. Fill every bracketed field. Never delete the statutory citation line.
  2. Date & specifics. Reference exact amounts, dates, and unit numbers.
  3. Use certified mail or a witness. Proof of delivery wins cases.
  4. Store copies four years. Small-claims judges often ask for originals.
  5. Follow up within 48 hours. A polite call can prompt quicker action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes—California adopted the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (Civ. Code § 1633.7). As long as both parties consent to electronic delivery, a typed or digital signature carries the same weight as ink. That said, many landlords still prefer paper. To be safe, send the signed PDF by email and drop a printed copy in certified mail. Courts accept either format if you can verify the recipient’s address and receipt. For high-stakes items like eviction notices, default to hard-copy service.

The Civil Code rarely mandates certified mail, but judges favour it because the green card proves receipt. First-class is legally allowed, yet if the landlord claims non-delivery, the burden shifts back to you. Certified mail with tracking—and preferably a witness—creates an unassailable record that your letter arrived.

USPS marks refused certified mail as “Unclaimed” or “Refused.” Courts view that as constructive notice—meaning the landlord chose not to read it. Keep the returned envelope sealed and bring it to small-claims as evidence. You can also post a copy on the door, snap a timestamped photo, and email a PDF for redundancy.

Only if the lease expressly allows electronic service or the landlord previously accepted email notice. When in doubt, email and mail a hard copy. Include “Read Receipt” and keep the server timestamp. Courts prefer certified mail but have upheld emailed notices when both parties routinely correspond online.

Bring the certified-mail receipt, the USPS tracking page, and a copy of the letter. If hand-delivered, have your witness sign a short declaration. Attach photos of the stamped envelope and any landlord reply. Judges want a clear chain of custody—they rarely question certified mail.

California law does not require translation, but clarity can speed resolution. Attach an unofficial translation below the English original. Note that the English version controls to prevent disputes over wording. Keep translations short and faithful—avoid paraphrasing legal citations.

Related Resources

Legal References

Statute / SectionRelevance
Civ. Code § 1946 30/60-day termination notices
Civ. Code § 1942 Repair-and-deduct & rent withholding
Civ. Code § 1950.5 Security-deposit limits & penalties
CCP § 1161 Unlawful detainer (eviction) grounds

Tenant Support Organizations

California Legal Aid Directory

State-wide listing of free and low-cost legal clinics for landlord-tenant disputes, including deposit, habitability, and eviction defence. Use the zip-search to find a nearby office.

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Small-Claims Advisors

Every county court hosts a free advisor programme that reviews evidence packets, helps with form completion, and explains service of process rules up to the $12,500 limit.

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Local Housing Authority

City agencies enforce rent control, handle habitability complaints, and mediate security-deposit disputes. They also track permissible screening fees and relocation payments.

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Disability Rights Hotline

Free telephone guidance on reasonable accommodation requests, service-animal rules, and retaliation protections for tenants with disabilities. Bilingual staff available.

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