California Association Of Realtors Extension Of Lease C.a.r. Form El 11 11 Instant

A tenant fails to give proper notice or needs an extra 2-4 weeks to move out. Instead of declaring a holdover tenancy (which can lead to legal eviction), the landlord and tenant agree to a formal, short extension.

"Month-to-Month" vs. Fixed-Term Extension If the parties do not sign an extension form, most standard leases convert to a month-to-month tenancy upon expiration. While month-to-month offers flexibility, it offers less stability. The Form EL converts what would be a rolling month-to-month arrangement back into a fixed-term tenancy (e.g., another 6 months or 1 year), providing security for the tenant and guaranteed occupancy for the landlord. A tenant fails to give proper notice or

Security Deposits Landlords must remember that a lease extension does not automatically grant the right to increase the security deposit. If the original lease already maximized the statutory limit for a security deposit (typically two months' rent for unfurnished units in California), the landlord cannot ask for more deposit money on the extension form unless local ordinances allow it. Fixed-Term Extension If the parties do not sign

Legal Compliance While the "11/11" revision was standard for several years, landlords should ensure that their extension practices comply with current California law. For instance, regarding Just Cause for Eviction and Rent Control (AB 1482), if a property is subject to state rent control, the extension form must not violate allowable rent increases or the requirement to offer lease renewals. Security Deposits Landlords must remember that a lease

A $500 rent increase on a 15-day extension could violate local rent control. Always verify before filling in Option B.

If a tenant stays beyond the lease without permission, you can charge "holdover damages" (often 2x rent under some leases). By using an EL-11/11 retroactively, you might waive those damages. If the tenant overstayed without consent, do not use this form; instead, serve a 3-day notice to quit.

Some original leases contain a "holdover tenancy" clause that doubles or triples rent if a tenant stays without permission. Form EL-11/11, when properly executed, overrides that for the extension period. However, if you fail to sign the form before the original end date, the holdover penalty may apply for any days before the extension is signed.