FAQ #1: What is a lease?

A lease is a legal agreement between a landlord and tenant for a defined period of time to be agreed upon by landlord and tenant and should be in writing. The tenant cannot be asked to leave unless he/she breaks the terms of the lease and the rent cannot be raised during the term of the lease unless it is permitted in the agreement. It is required that the tenant receive a copy of the lease within 15 days after signing the lease.

Need more help?

BROCHURES, GUIDES and WEB SITES:

Department of Consumer Affairs: California Tenants: A Guide to Residential Tenants' and Landlords' Rights and Responsibilities www.dca.ca.gov/publications/landlordbook or Download the guide (PDF)

Nolo Press Law Center - Landlords & Tenants
www.nolo.com/encyclopedia/lt_ency.html

Landlord and Tenant Information and Referral Collaborative Landlord and Tenant Rights, Responsibilities, and Resources, in San Mateo County (PDF)

Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center, Brochure and Tip Sheet