C.A.R. Form EL (Extension of Lease) is a specialized document provided by the California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.)
specifically designed to extend the duration of a fixed-term lease for a new specified period. California Association of Realtors (CAR)
While "11/11" refers to its original November 2011 release date, the form has undergone revisions—most notably in
—to update terminology such as changing "Landlord" to "Housing Provider" for consistency with modern residential lease standards. California Association of Realtors (CAR) Core Purpose and Function
This form serves as an addendum that incorporates new terms into the existing lease agreement without requiring a completely new contract. Its primary functions include: Lone Wolf Technologies Term Extension : Setting a new scheduled termination date for the tenancy. Rent Adjustments
: Documenting any changes to the monthly rent amount for the extended period. Security Deposit
: Allowing for an increase in the security deposit if the rent has changed or as agreed upon by both parties. Preservation of Terms
: Explicitly stating that all other terms and conditions from the original lease remain in full force and effect unless otherwise specified. Key Components of the Form Extension Specifics
: A section to define the exact end date of the extension (e.g., "extended to July 31, 2025"). Legal Protections
: Includes checkboxes for additional required disclosures, such as the Rent Cap and Just Cause Addendum (C.A.R. Form RCJC)
, ensuring compliance with state and local rent control laws. Professional Advice Disclaimer Is the new termination date realistic
: The form includes a standardized notice advising parties to seek legal or tax advice from qualified professionals before signing, as brokers do not guarantee legal validity. cdn.prod.website-files.com Why Use Form EL Instead of a New Lease?
Using an extension form is often preferred over a "renewal" because a renewal can technically create a new leasehold estate, potentially resetting certain landlord concessions or rights. An extension, however, legally continues the existing leasehold estate. Seyfarth Shaw
For those managing commercial properties, it is worth noting that while the C.A.R. Form EL
is user-friendly and efficient, some complex transactions may utilize more detailed forms for extensive customization. California Lawyers Association specific legal requirements for rent increases in California during a lease extension?
C.A.R. Form EL (Extension of Lease) is a standard document released by the California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.)
specifically designed to extend a fixed-term lease for a new fixed period. While the original version was released in November 2011 ( ), it has undergone revisions, such as the Revised 6/23 version, to comply with updated California laws. Purpose and Key Features
The primary purpose of Form EL is to extend an existing residential lease without drafting an entirely new agreement. It ensures that all original terms remain in effect unless specifically modified by the extension. Extension of Term : Clearly defines the new scheduled termination date. Rent Adjustments
: Provides a dedicated section to specify the new monthly rent amount. Security Deposit
: Allows for an increase in the security deposit if applicable. Incorporation of New Laws
: Modern versions (like the 6/23 revision) may include mandatory language regarding the Rent Cap and Just Cause Addendum (Form RCJC) "15 days" or "one month").
and requirements for landlords to provide functional stoves and refrigerators. Mutual Consent
: Requires signatures from both the landlord (housing provider) and the tenant to be legally binding. Essential Information for Completion
To accurately complete the form, the following details are typically required: Property Details : Full address of the rental property. Party Information : Legal names of all landlords and tenants.
: The date of the original lease agreement and the new end date for the extension. Financials
: The new monthly rental rate and any changes to the security deposit. Additional Terms
: Any other modifications, such as changes to parking, utilities, or maintenance responsibilities. Why Use Form EL? Continuity
: It formally maintains the relationship between landlord and tenant, providing security for both parties. Simplicity
: It is much shorter than a full lease (often just one page) while still referencing the original contract for legal protection. Flexibility
: It can be used for short-term extensions (e.g., 6 months) or longer renewals (e.g., 1 year).
C.A.R. members can access the most current version of this form through the zipForm® platform or order physical copies through Local Association of REALTORS® stores step-by-step walkthrough of how to fill out the most recent version of this form? 3.4. Security Deposit
EL - Extension of Lease - C.A.R. Business Products AOR Store
California Civil Code §1945 provides that a fixed-term lease automatically becomes a month-to-month tenancy if the landlord accepts rent after the term ends. The EL-11/11 explicitly overrides that by establishing a new fixed termination date. This prevents an unintended perpetual tenancy.
Before the landlord and tenant put pen to paper, check these boxes:
The California Association of Realtors Extension of Lease (C.A.R. Form EL-11/11) is a concise, effective document for short-term lease extensions. When used correctly—with attention to California’s complex landlord-tenant laws, local rent control, and proper execution—it protects both landlords and tenants from unintended holdover tenancies, rental disputes, and eviction proceedings.
However, misuse can create legal vulnerabilities. Always:
For California real estate professionals, mastering Form EL-11/11 is not optional—it is an essential competency. For landlords and tenants, it provides peace of mind when a lease needs just a little more time.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Real estate laws change frequently, and local ordinances vary widely in California. Always consult with a qualified California real estate attorney or your local Association of Realtors before using any legal form.
This is the heart of the form. You will enter:
Crucially, the form states that all other terms of the original lease remain in full force and effect during the extension, except as modified below.
When is this form not the right choice?
| Scenario | Better Alternative | | :--- | :--- | | Adding a new tenant or removing one | New Residential Lease (C.A.R. Form LR) or Add/Remove Tenant form | | Changing lease terms beyond date/rent (e.g., adding pets, changing parking) | Lease Amendment (C.A.R. Form LAM) | | Extending for a full 12+ months with updated disclosures | Lease Renewal (C.A.R. Form LTR) | | Month-to-month tenancy with no fixed end | No form needed – but a written Month-to-Month Agreement is safer |
This section confirms that the tenant accepts the property in its current "as-is" condition, except for any items noted in a separate inspection. This protects the landlord from a tenant claiming new defects were caused by the extension.