Free Car Rental Agreement Template for California

Renting out vehicles in California

California regulates rental agreements more closely than most states: statutes govern how rental companies quote prices, which fees may be stated separately (such as tourism assessments and vehicle license recovery fees), and how damage waivers are offered. Keep every charge itemized and transparent in the agreement.

What is specific to California

• California Civil Code section 1939.01 and related provisions define and regulate rental company charges, including customer facility charges, airport concession fees and tourism commission assessments.
• California law (AB 675 and predecessors) governs how rental vehicle advertising and quotes must present charges, authorizing certain fees to be stated separately from the base rate.
• Rental companies operating at airport or hotel locations pay assessments to the California Travel and Tourism Commission, which may be passed through to renters as a separately stated fee.

Checklist for your California agreement

• Itemize every fee in the agreement; California's rules center on transparent, separately stated charges.
• If you offer a damage waiver, review the Civil Code rules on how waivers must be presented and priced.
• Quote the full estimated total when advertising rates, not just the base daily price.
• Document condition with photos and the damage diagram; California renters dispute charges frequently and documentation wins.

This page is general information for rental operators, not legal or tax advice. Rates and rules change; verify against the official sources below and consult a professional for your situation.