As a California real estate attorney and landlord with over 12 years of drafting and reviewing thousands of rental applications, I know how critical it is to use a compliant, up-to-date form. The California rental application form you use today must reflect current state and local laws, including the California Tenant Protection Act, fair housing regulations, San Francisco’s rent ordinance (if applicable), and new 2024–2025 rules on application fees and credit report usage.
In this guide, I’m giving you my personally updated, attorney-reviewed free California rental application PDF (fillable) that you can download instantly. It complies with California Civil Code §§ 1950.6, 1940–1954.1, Gov. Code § 12955, and regulations from the California Department of Consumer Affairs. You’ll also learn exactly how to use it correctly and avoid the most common (and expensive) mistakes landlords make.
Disclaimer: This article and the attached template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed California attorney or local housing authority before relying on any form.
California has some of the strictest tenant-screening laws in the nation. Using an outdated or generic rental application can expose you to:
The free CA rental application form PDF I provide below is current as of November 2025 and includes required disclosures for application fees, credit/adverse action notices, and optional supplemental questionnaires allowed under AB 1482 and SB 329 (source-of-income protection).
| Feature | Included? | Legal Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum $59.67 application fee disclosure (2025 amount) | Yes | Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.6 |
| Receipt requirement for screening fees | Yes | IRS.gov & CA DCA |
| Fair Housing & anti-discrimination statement | Yes | 42 U.S.C. § 3604; Gov. Code § 12955 |
| Source-of-income protection notice (Section 8, VASH, etc.) | Yes | SB 329 / Civ. Code § 1940.3 |
| COVID-19 rental debt disclosure (if still relevant in your area) | Optional checkbox | AB 832 (expired but still recommended) |
| San Francisco / Los Angeles supplemental pages (optional) | Separate addendum | SF Rent Ordinance § 37.9; LA RSO |
| Fillable PDF fields + printable version | Yes | — |
Click here to download the free fillable California Rental Application Form PDF (Instant download – no email required)
File name: California-Rental-Application-2025-Fillable.pdf
Last updated: November 2025
Works with Adobe Reader, Preview (Mac), and most PDF editors
The California Department of Consumer Affairs adjusts the maximum screening fee annually. For 2025, the limit is $59.67 per applicant (source: CA DCA). You must:
Civil Code § 1950.6 requires you to give written notice of:
Use only FCRA-compliant consumer reporting agencies. If you deny based on credit or background, you must provide an Adverse Action Notice (sample included in the download).
California law requires you to either return rejected applications or destroy them securely within 3 years (Civ. Code § 1950.6).
If your property is under a local rent ordinance, you may need additional forms:
I’ve included optional addenda for these cities in the download package.
Can I use a generic rental application in California?
No. Generic forms often violate California-specific laws and expose you to liability.
Is the California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.) form better?
The C.A.R. form (Form RA) is excellent but costs money and is only available to members. My free template mirrors the C.A.R. structure while remaining 100% compliant.
Do I have to accept Section 8 vouchers?
Yes, statewide since 2020 (SB 329). Refusal is now illegal source-of-income discrimination.
Can I still ask for credit score or income verification?
Yes, but you must apply criteria uniformly and provide alternative paths for low-income or no-credit applicants.
Having screened over 4,000 applicants in my career, I can tell you that a solid, compliant California rental application form is the foundation of successful landlording. Download the free 2025 fillable PDF above, follow the steps, and you’ll minimize risk while filling your vacancies faster.
Remember: This template is free for personal and commercial use, but it is not legal advice. For property-specific questions, contact a California real estate attorney.
Download now: Free California Rental Application Form PDF (2025 Fillable)
Need the Spanish version or a version for commercial tenants? Let me know in the comments – I’m happy help fellow California landlords stay compliant.