Does a California lease need to be in writing?
For tenancies one year or longer, yes. California (and most US states) follow the Statute of Frauds: any lease longer than 12 months must be in writing to be enforceable. For shorter tenancies (month-to-month, week-to-week), oral leases are technically enforceable but practically risky because there is no documented record of rent, term, deposit amount, or notice rules. Even for short tenancies, a written lease protects both parties. California landlords using oral agreements bear the burden of proving terms in any dispute.
Source: California Statute of Frauds
This is an informational answer based on California Statute of Frauds as of early 2026. It is not legal advice. Housing law changes year to year and local ordinances (especially in rent-controlled or rent-stabilized cities) can override or add to state law. For contested cases, consult a California-licensed attorney.