California Association Of Realtors Extension Of Lease C.a.r. Form El 11 11 ((top)) | ESSENTIAL – CHOICE |
While there isn't a single famous "narrative" or legend about the C.A.R. Form EL (Extension of Lease)
, its story is one of a "silent workhorse" that has undergone major shifts due to California's intense regulatory environment. The Evolution of Form EL 11/11 The "11/11" designation refers to the version released in November 2011
. This specific iteration was part of a broader effort by the California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.)
to standardize how landlords and tenants could quickly extend a fixed-term lease without needing to rewrite a 15-page document. Key "Plot Points" in the Form's History The "Simple Extension" Era
: Originally, the form was a straightforward one-page tool used primarily to change the termination date and adjust the rent amount. The 2020 Pivot (AB 1482)
: The most dramatic change to the use of this form occurred with the passage of Assembly Bill 1482
, California’s statewide rent control law. Suddenly, using a simple extension form became risky. Landlords now had to attach additional disclosures, like the Rent Cap and Just Cause Addendum (C.A.R. Form RCJC) , to remain compliant. The Modern Version
, the form was significantly revised again. It shifted terminology, replacing "Owner" with "Housing Provider"
to better align with contemporary legal standards and added warnings that landlords should seek legal counsel if their property is subject to local rent caps. Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles Why It Matters
For many DIY landlords, the "story" of Form EL 11/11 is often one of a narrow escape. Before these standardized forms, many people used informal "handshake" emails or poorly drafted notes to extend leases, which often failed to hold up in court during eviction or rent dispute cases. The C.A.R. standard forms While there isn't a single famous "narrative" or
The California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) Form EL, titled Extension of Lease, is a standard legal document used to extend a fixed-term lease for a new specified period of time. Released in its current base version in November 2011 (marked as 11/11), it has undergone periodic revisions—most recently in June 2023—to maintain consistency with modern California landlord-tenant terminology. Key Features of Form EL
Purpose: It acts as an official addendum to an existing lease, allowing parties to extend the duration without drafting an entirely new agreement.
Terms Modified: While the primary focus is the Extension of Term, the form also allows for adjustments to rent amounts and security deposits.
Continuity: Unless explicitly changed in the form, all other terms and conditions from the original lease remain in full force and effect.
Accessibility: The form is available to members through C.A.R. Standard Forms via platforms like zipForm® Plus or at select local Association of REALTORS® stores. Recent Updates (June 2023 Revision)
The most recent 6/23 revision includes a shift in language to be more inclusive and consistent with other residential lease forms, notably changing the term "Landlord" to "Housing Provider". It also includes options to attach modern legal disclosures, such as the Rent Cap and Just Cause Addendum (C.A.R. Form RCJC).
EL - Extension of Lease - C.A.R. Business Products AOR Store
The California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) Form EL, titled Extension of Lease, is a standard legal document used to extend an existing fixed-term residential lease for a new specified period. Released or notably revised around 11/11, this form simplifies the process of renewing a tenancy without requiring an entirely new lease agreement. Key Features of Form EL
Extension of Term: Explicitly defines the new termination date for the tenancy. Understanding C
Rent Adjustment: Includes fields to update the monthly rent amount for the extension period.
Security Deposit: Allows for an increase in the security deposit if applicable.
Retention of Original Terms: States that all other terms and conditions of the original lease remain in full force and effect unless otherwise specified.
Compliance Warnings: Recent versions (such as the 6/23 revision) include advisories for housing providers regarding state or local rent increase caps and "Just Cause" eviction laws. When to Use This Form
Fixed-Term Renewals: Use this when both parties agree to extend a lease that is nearing its original expiration date for another fixed term (e.g., another 6 or 12 months).
Modifying Specific Terms: It serves as an addendum to change the end date and rent while keeping the rest of the contract intact. Important Considerations
Rent Cap and Just Cause (Form RCJC): Housing providers are often advised to attach C.A.R. Form RCJC if the property is subject to specific California rent control laws.
Current Versions: It is critical to use the most updated version (currently revised as of June 2023) to ensure compliance with newer California laws, such as requirements for providing appliances like stoves and refrigerators.
Authorized Use: C.A.R. forms are intended for use by real estate professionals and members. Unauthorized use is prohibited. You can find these forms through the C.A.R. Business Products Store or platforms like RentSpree for e-signatures. another 6 months or 1 year)
Understanding C.A.R. Form EL-11: Extension of Lease
The C.A.R. Form EL-11 (revised 11/11) is a standard legal document published by the California Association of Realtors. Its sole purpose is to extend the term of an existing residential lease agreement between a landlord (Lessor) and a tenant (Lessee) without creating a new lease or altering most of the original lease’s core terms.
Mistake #2: Forgetting Rent Control Notices
If the property is subject to AB 1482 (statewide rent cap) or a local ordinance like Los Angeles’ RSO or Oakland’s Rent Adjustment Program, a simple extension with a rent increase might require a formal notice of rent increase (30 or 90 days, depending on amount) separate from the EL-11/11. The lease extension is a contract; rent increase notices are statutory requirements. Do both.
3. Important Considerations for Use
"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.
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.
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.
4. Writing Requirement
California Statute of Frauds (Civil Code §1624) requires that any agreement to extend a lease for more than one year must be in writing. The EL-11/11 satisfies this. For extensions under one year, oral agreements may be technically valid but are inadvisable. Always use the written form.
Breaking Down the C.A.R. Form EL-11/11 (Line-by-Line)
While the form is only two pages long, every section requires attention. Here is a detailed analysis of its key components.
3. Renovation Completion
A landlord is renovating a unit for new tenants, but construction is delayed. The current tenant agrees to a 2-week extension at a pro-rated rent.