Free Santa Cruz County,California Month to Month Rental Agreement | PDF | Word

Table of Contents

This California Month to Month Agreement form is intended for short-term rentals in the County of Santa Cruz. It is a month-to-month rental agreement and can not be converted to a standard lease.

The tenant agrees to pay rent in advance. If rent is five days late, the landlord may charge a late fee under California Civil Code, section 1671, which allows the landlord to pursue liquidated damages for breach of contract. The landlord may also give the tenant notice to pay within three days or vacate the property under California Civil Code, section 1161.

Limitations

The landlord may limit the number of occupants. The tenant agrees not to sublet the property or to have long-term guests. All tenants are jointly and severally liable under California Civil Code, section 1659, which means that if rent is not paid or the property is damaged, the landlord may pursue damages from each tenant up to the full amount regardless of any agreements the tenants may have between themselves.

Parking and Pets

The landlord and tenant agree which, if any, animals or vehicles are permitted on the property and where the vehicles should be parked. The landlord and tenant may make other special arrangements.

Security Deposits

The tenant agrees to pay a security deposit which may not exceed two months’ rent for an unfurnished apartment or three months’ rent for a furnished apartment. The landlord must return or account for the security deposit under California Civil Code, section 1950.5. The County of Santa Cruz requires that interest be paid on security deposits. If the landlord agrees to pets, the landlord may require an additional pet deposit as long as it does not exceed the maximum specified deposit.

Maintenance and Repairs

The landlord agrees to provide a sound structure with adequate plumbing, water, heating, lighting, trash removal, and smoke detectors. The tenant agrees to maintain the property and observe quiet hours. The landlord may require other responsibilities from the tenant. The landlord may not enter the premises without notice except in an emergency or to make repairs. The tenant has the right to request reasonable repairs to the property without retaliation, and may withhold rent if they are not completed under California Civil Code, section 1942.

Termination and Other Notices

Both the landlord and the tenant agree that notices shall be made in writing.

Rent Increase Notice : The landlord agrees to give 30 or 60 days notice of a rent increase.
Vacating Property : Both the landlord and the tenant agree to give 30 days notice to vacate the property. If the tenant has rented the property for more than a year, the landlord agrees to give 60 days notice.

In no case can the landlord give less than seven days notice, under California Civil Code, section 1946.

Other Information

The landlord agrees to carry insurance coverage on the structure only. The landlord may agree to make certain repairs or improvements to the property. The tenant is provided with information about the sex offenders’ registry. The tenant is provided with information about lead paint.

How to Fill

This form can be partially completed online. If you are unable to do so, you may print the form and fill it out neatly in pen.

Enter the date the rental agreement is to begin.
Enter the owner’s name.
Enter the tenant’s name(s).
Enter the property address.
Enter the monthly rent and due date.
Check boxes to indicate what is included in the rent.
Enter the address where rent is to be paid.
Enter the late fee.
Enter the maximum number of occupants.
Enter the maximum number of nights a guest can stay.
Enter the number of pets allowed, if any.
Enter the number of vehicles allowed, if any.
Enter any other special permissions.
Indicate where vehicles, if any, should be parked.
Enter the security deposit.
Enter the pet deposit, if any.
Enter additional duties of the tenant, if any.
Enter repairs or improvements to be made, if any.
Enter any other agreements or provisions.
Initial to indicate receipt of lead paint materials.
Enter the total amount the tenant has paid the landlord. Indicate how much is for the security deposit, first month’s rent, and/or last month’s rent.
Enter the date the rental agreement is signed and the date the rental agreement is to begin.
Landlord prints name and signs form.
Landlord’s agent, if any, prints name and signs form.
Tenant(s) prints name and signs form.

California law and the County of Santa Cruz do not require that a rental agreement be witnessed, notarized, filed, or registered. It is valid upon execution. Both the landlord and the tenant should keep a copy of the rental agreement in a safe place.