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Room Rental Agreement Template – California
Define clear rental terms and responsibilities in California with this professional Room Rental Agreement Template.
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Room Rental Agreement
This Room Rental Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into on [Date], by and between:
Landlord / Primary Tenant: [Full Name]
Address: [Full Property Address]
Email: [Email Address]
Phone: [Phone Number]
and
Renter: [Full Name]
Email: [Email Address]
Phone: [Phone Number]
Together referred to as the "Parties."
1. Property and Room Description
The Renter is renting a private room at [Property Address], identified as [Room Identifier], located within a shared dwelling. Room details: [e.g., upper-floor bedroom with en‑suite bathroom / closet / furnishings (if any)]. Shared spaces may include the kitchen, bathrooms, living area, corridors, garage, patio, or laundry as checked below: ☐ Kitchen ☐ Bathroom ☐ Living Room ☐ Laundry ☐ Patio ☐ Other: [Describe].
2. Term of Agreement
The tenancy commences on [Start Date] and will either end on [End Date] (fixed‑term) or continue month‑to‑month with [X] days’ written notice by either Party. Any renewal or extension will be documented in writing prior to the end of the current term. Move‑in and move‑out walkthroughs will be scheduled to document condition.
3. Rent and Payment Terms
Monthly rent is $[Amount], due on the [Day] of each month and payable via [Bank Transfer / ACH / Check / Online Portal / Cash]. If rent is not received within [X] days after the due date, a late fee of $[Amount] may be assessed and daily interest of [Rate]% may accrue if permitted by applicable law. Returned or reversed payments do not satisfy the obligation and may incur reasonable charges.
4. Security Deposit
A refundable security deposit of $[Amount] is due before move‑in and may be applied to unpaid rent, damages beyond ordinary wear, or other lawful charges. Within [X] days after move‑out, an itemized statement and any refund will be provided to the forwarding address supplied by Renter. Renter must leave the room in substantially the same condition, minus reasonable wear.
5. Utilities and Expenses
Utilities are ☐ included in rent ☐ shared among occupants as follows: Electricity [Equal/%], Water [Equal/%], Gas [Equal/%], Internet [Equal/%], Trash/Recycling [Equal/%]. If metering is shared, allocation will be based on fair use or another agreed method documented here: [Method]. Any extraordinary usage may be charged proportionally if reasonable and documented.
6. House Rules and Conduct
Renter will keep personal and common areas tidy, observe quiet hours [e.g., 10 PM–7 AM], and respect neighborly standards. Guests are subject to prior approval; overnight stays beyond [X] nights per month require written consent. No smoking indoors; pets are ☐ not allowed ☐ allowed as follows: [Type/Breed/Weight/Deposit/Rules].
7. Repairs and Maintenance
Renter shall promptly report needed repairs and avoid actions that could worsen a condition. Minor repairs under $[X] may be the Renter’s responsibility if caused by misuse or negligence; otherwise, Landlord handles structural and major systems. Landlord may access common systems with reasonable notice for inspection or repair, except in emergencies.
8. Use of Shared Spaces and Storage
Renter may use shared areas in a respectful, scheduled manner; cleaning rotations or shared supplies may be agreed here: [Details]. Personal items in common spaces must be minimized and labeled; dedicated storage areas (if any) are: [Locations/Rules]. Parking/bike storage is ☐ available ☐ not available; if available, the assigned space is: [Space/Permit].
9. Termination and Move‑Out
Upon notice, Renter will vacate by [Move‑out Date], remove belongings, clean the room (including surfaces, floors, closets), and return all keys/cards/fobs. Final utility reconciliations (if shared) will be settled within [X] days of move‑out based on statements or reasonable estimates. Abandoned property will be handled consistent with applicable law and any agreed procedure here: [Procedure].
10. Governing Law; Entire Agreement
This Agreement is governed by the laws of [State] and constitutes the entire understanding of the Parties regarding the room rental. Any amendment or house‑rule update must be in writing and signed by both Parties. If any provision is invalid, the remainder shall continue in effect to the fullest extent permitted.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
Landlord / Primary Tenant Signature
Name: ______________________
Date: ______________________
Renter Signature
Name: ______________________
Date: ______________________
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Room Rental Agreement Template – California
California Room Rental Agreement FAQ
What is a Room Rental Agreement?
A Room Rental Agreement is a legally binding document between a landlord or primary tenant and a subtenant that outlines the terms for renting a single room within a larger property. Unlike a full lease, which covers the entire unit, this agreement focuses specifically on the rented room and the shared use of common areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, or living space.
It details essential information such as the rental amount, payment schedule, duration of the tenancy, and house rules. It also defines the responsibilities of both parties regarding utilities, maintenance, and behavioral expectations.
When to use a Room Rental Agreement?
A Room Rental Agreement should be used whenever a landlord or primary tenant rents out an individual room within a property rather than the entire home or apartment. This type of agreement is common in shared living arrangements, such as when roommates split rent, a tenant sublets a room with the landlord’s approval, or a homeowner rents out a spare bedroom.
It’s especially useful when you want to clearly define each person’s rights and responsibilities — including rent payments, house rules, and the use of shared spaces — to avoid misunderstandings. Having a written Room Rental Agreement provides legal protection for both parties and ensures that expectations around payment, behavior, and maintenance are transparent from the start.
What should be included in a Room Rental Agreement?
If you’re a primary tenant or property owner, your Room Rental Agreement should clearly outline the expectations and responsibilities of both parties.
A well-written agreement helps prevent disputes and ensures a smooth living arrangement. At minimum, it should include:
Tenant and subtenant information: Full names and contact details of both parties.
Property address: The full address and a description of the rented space.
Room details: Size, furnishings, and any special conditions or restrictions.
Rental duration: Specify whether the agreement is month-to-month, weekly, or fixed-term.
Rent and payment terms: State the rent amount, due date, and accepted payment methods.
Security deposit and late fees: Include the deposit amount and outline any penalties for late payments.
Utilities: Explain how utility costs will be divided or included in the rent.
House rules: Cover noise limits, guest policies, smoking rules, and shared space use.
Chores and maintenance: Define who handles cleaning, repairs, and emergency maintenance.
Termination notice: Specify the notice period (usually 30 days) for ending the rental.
Insurance: Indicate if the tenant or subtenant must have renter’s insurance for personal belongings.
Furniture and amenities: List any provided furniture, appliances, or extras (e.g., parking, storage).
Signatures and date: Both parties must sign and date the agreement to make it legally binding.
Including these key elements ensures your Room Rental Agreement is clear, enforceable, and fair for everyone involved.
Can a Room Rental Agreement be changed after signing?
Yes, a Room Rental Agreement can be changed after signing, but only if both parties agree to the new terms. Any modifications — such as changes in rent amount, duration, or responsibilities — should be made in writing and signed by both the landlord (or primary tenant) and the renter to be legally valid.
Verbal agreements or informal promises are generally not enforceable, so it’s best to document every change clearly. In most cases, an amendment or addendum is attached to the original agreement, outlining exactly what was updated while leaving the rest of the contract unchanged. This ensures that all terms remain transparent and protects both parties from future disputes.
What happens if the landlord sells the property during the rental period under a Room Rental Agreement in California?
In California, if a landlord sells the property during the rental period under a Room Rental Agreement, the tenant’s rights remain fully protected under the California Civil Code § 821 and § 1946.1.
The new owner automatically becomes the landlord and must honor the existing agreement, including the rent amount, duration, and all terms until the rental period expires. The sale of the property does not terminate the current Room Rental Agreement or give the new owner immediate right to evict the tenant.
If the property is sold to someone who intends to occupy it, the new owner must still follow proper notice procedures before ending the tenancy — usually at least 30 days’ written notice for month-to-month agreements, or 60 days if the tenant has lived there for a year or more.
Tenants should also be informed in writing about the change of ownership, including where to send rent payments and who will handle maintenance or communication moving forward.
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