Table of Contents

This California Additional Tenant Addendum to Rental Agreement form is intended for renters who already have a lease agreement with a landlord and plan to add an additional tenant to the lease agreement. The new tenant must apply and be approved by the landlord using the typical criteria of income, rental history, and creditworthiness.

Additional Security Deposit for the new tenant

Under California Civil Code 1950.5, the landlord is entitled to ask for a security deposit equaling two months’ rent for an unfurnished apartment or three months’ rent for a furnished apartment. The new tenant may be asked to contribute toward the security deposit. None of the security deposit will not be returned until the property lease terminates, even if one or more tenants terminate their own leases. If a tenant terminates his or her lease early, it is up to him or her to negotiate a refund of his or her share of the deposit from the remaining tenants or to wait until the property lease terminates and the deposit is returned.

Rent Responsibilities

Under California Civil Code 1659, all parties are both jointly and severally responsible for upholding the contract, which means that if the rent not paid in full, a landlord can initiate action against each and every tenant even if that tenant has already paid his or her share. Adding a tenant to a lease is a major commitment for all parties involved.

Damage Responsibilities

When a tenant joins a lease, he or she assumes responsibility for any back rent that is owed, for any current damage to the property, and for any damage that may be done in the future by either tenants or guests.

How To Fill

This form can be partially filled out online. If this is not possible, you may print the form and complete it neatly with a pen.

Enter new tenant’s complete name.
Enter the date.
Enter the original tenant’s complete name.
Enter the owner’s complete name.
Enter the complete address, including apartment number if there is one.
Both the original tenant and new tenant sign and date the form.
The landlord signs and dates the form.

California law does not require that a lease or addendum be witnessed, notarized, filed, or registered. It is valid upon execution. The landlord and all tenants should keep a copy of the lease and addendum in a safe place.