California Civil Code 1962 states that a landlord must provide a copy of the rental agreement or lease to the tenant within 15 days of its execution by the tenant. Once each calendar year thereafter, upon request by the tenant, the owner or the owner’s agent shall provide an additional copy to the tenant within 15 days. If the owner or owner’s agent does not possess the rental agreement or lease or a copy of it, Civil Code 1962 instead requires the owner or owner’s agent to furnish the tenant with a written statement stating the following:
The name, telephone number, and usual street address at which personal service may be effected, where and how rent payments are to be made, and the form or forms in which rent payments are to be made.
Civil Code 1962 also specifies that if the rental agreement is an oral agreement (not recommended!), the owner or owner’s agent shall furnish the tenant, within 15 days of the agreement, a written statement containing the above information.
Civil Code 1962 requires this information to be kept current and the tenant must be notified when there is a change in ownership. A new owner may not initiate eviction proceedings against a tenant based on non-payment of rent without first complying with these rules.
Need help evicting a tenant? Contact the Law Office of David Piotrowski for assistance.
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