Questions to Ask Before Signing a Rental Agreement

A rental agreement determines more than the monthly rent. It establishes payment rules, responsibilities, access rights, maintenance procedures, occupancy limits, and move-out requirements. The best time to resolve uncertainty is before signing and before paying money that may be difficult to recover.

Read the complete agreement, including addenda and incorporated community rules. If a term matters, request written clarification. A verbal promise may be difficult to prove and may not change a conflicting written provision.

What is the total amount due before move-in?

Ask for an itemized list of:

• First month’s rent
• Security deposit
• Application or screening fee
• Holding deposit
• Pet-related charges when lawful
• Parking or access-device charges
• Prorated rent
• Utility deposits
• Required insurance cost
• Move-in charges imposed by an association or building

California generally limits a residential security deposit to no more than one month’s rent for furnished or unfurnished housing. A defined category of small landlords may charge up to two months’ rent, subject to the statutory requirements and exceptions.¹ Payments called pet deposits, key fees, or cleaning deposits may still be treated as part of the security deposit under California law.

Confirm whether each payment is refundable, when it is due, and how it must be paid. Keep a receipt.

What exactly is included in the rent?

Ask which utilities and services are included and how the tenant’s share is calculated. Clarify:

• Water and sewer
• Trash
• Electricity and gas
• Internet or cable packages
• Parking
• Laundry
• Landscaping
• Pool service
• Pest control
• Association fees
• Common-area utilities

If utilities are allocated rather than individually metered, request the formula and billing process. Ask whether administrative charges are added.

When and how is rent paid?

The agreement should identify the due date, acceptable payment methods, grace period if any, late fee, returned-payment charge, and where notices should be sent.

Ask whether online payment includes a convenience fee and whether a no-fee method is available. Do not send rent to a new account based only on an email or text. Verify any payment change through a known contact method.

How long is the agreement and what happens at the end?

Confirm whether the tenancy is fixed-term or periodic and whether it automatically converts to month-to-month. Ask:

• How much notice is required to move out?
• Does the landlord require advance renewal notice?
• Can the rent change during the term?
• What rules apply to adding or removing occupants?
• Is early termination permitted, and what are the consequences?
• Are there military, domestic-violence, or other statutory protections that may apply?

California termination and rent rules can depend on the property, location, length of tenancy, ownership, and legal exemptions. Do not rely on a general summary for a specific dispute.

Who handles repairs and emergencies?

Get the name, telephone number, email, and after-hours process for maintenance. Ask what qualifies as an emergency and how quickly non-emergency requests are normally acknowledged.

Clarify responsibility for:

• Air filters
• Light bulbs
• Smoke and carbon-monoxide alarm batteries
• Landscaping
• Pool care
• Pest prevention
• Drain blockages
• Appliance maintenance
• Damage caused by guests or pets

The lease may assign routine tasks, but landlords cannot avoid statutory obligations simply by placing broad language in a contract. California’s landlord-tenant guide explains basic rights and responsibilities regarding rental condition and repairs.²

What work will be completed before move-in?

If the property needs cleaning, paint, appliance repair, pest treatment, or another correction, identify the work and deadline in writing. “We will take care of it” is not a specific agreement.

Ask what happens if the work is not completed by the move-in date. Do not assume you can withhold rent or make deductions without legal guidance.

When may the landlord or manager enter?

California law regulates landlord entry. Permitted reasons and notice requirements depend on the circumstances, and emergencies are treated differently. Ask how routine inspections, repairs, showings, and vendor access are scheduled.³

Confirm who has keys and whether vendors are supervised. A tenant should understand the communication process without expecting that all entry can be refused.

What are the parking rules?

Verify the exact space, vehicle-size limits, guest parking, street restrictions, permits, towing policy, charging rules, garage dimensions, and storage restrictions. If the lease includes a specific space or garage, identify it in writing.

Visit during evenings and weekends to see actual parking conditions. A verbal statement that parking is “usually available” is not the same as an assigned space.

What are the pet terms?

Ask about species, breed, size, number, registration, vaccination records, pet rent, deposits, yard responsibilities, waste rules, and damage standards. Do not bring an animal into the property based on an informal exception.

Assistance animals are not treated the same as ordinary pets under fair-housing laws. Requests for reasonable accommodation are fact-specific and should be handled through a lawful process.⁴

What rules apply to guests and additional occupants?

Review occupancy limits, guest duration, subletting, short-term rentals, and roommate changes. If another person may move in later, ask what application and approval process applies.

Avoid signing an agreement that inaccurately lists the occupants. An unauthorized occupant can create a lease violation and insurance or association concerns.

Is renters insurance required?

Ask for required coverage limits, interested-party wording, and proof deadlines. A landlord’s policy generally protects the building and owner’s interests, not the tenant’s personal property or liability.

Compare coverage for personal property, temporary housing, water damage, theft, liability, and deductibles. Ask the insurer about property-specific exclusions.

Are there association or community rules?

For condominiums and planned communities, request the rules affecting tenants. These may address moving hours, elevator reservations, parking, pets, balconies, pools, packages, noise, and access devices.

Confirm who pays fines caused by tenant conduct and how the tenant will receive rule changes.

What is the condition-documentation process?

Ask whether the landlord provides a move-in checklist. Take photographs or video and return the completed condition report through a trackable method.

Before moving out, California tenants generally have rights related to an initial inspection when requested under the statutory process. After move-out, a landlord generally has 21 days to return the deposit or provide an itemized accounting and any remaining amount, subject to legal requirements.⁵

What is not allowed?

Review smoking, candles, grills, water furniture, satellite equipment, painting, wall mounting, business activity, storage, and hazardous materials. Ask before signing if any rule conflicts with your intended use.

Who is authorized to receive money and make decisions?

Verify the owner or property manager and obtain contact information for notices. California DRE guidance advises owners to confirm that a property manager who collects rent and manages property holds an active real estate license, subject to stated exceptions.⁶ Renters should also verify authority before sending funds.

Read first, then sign

Do not allow a deadline or competitive market to pressure you into signing documents you have not read. A complete agreement should answer the ordinary questions of living in the property. Unusual promises or exceptions should be added in writing.

J Perl Properties can help you compare rental options and identify practical questions to resolve before you commit.

Important: This article is general educational information and is not legal advice. California rental law changes, local ordinances may add protections, and the written agreement and facts matter. Consult a qualified attorney or official resource for legal questions.

Sources and Further Reading

1. California Department of Real Estate, Security Deposit Limits
2. California Department of Real Estate, 2025 Landlord-Tenant Guide
3. California Department of Real Estate, Landlord-Tenant Guide
4. California Civil Rights Department, Housing
5. California Courts, Guide to Security Deposits
6. California Department of Real Estate, Quick Guide for Landlords Hiring a Property Manager