Free California Shared Utility Disclosure
Required California shared-utility disclosure under CA Civil Code Section 1940.9. Disclose if tenant’s utility meter serves areas outside their unit and explain cost allocation.
Free California Shared Utility Disclosure — overview
A California Shared Utility Disclosure documents key facts about the rental property at the time of lease signing. California Civil Code Section 1940.9 requires written disclosure when a tenant’s utility meter serves common areas or another unit. The form on this page produces a comprehensive shared utility disclosure.
Complete the Disclosure Form
Complete the form below to generate a comprehensive California Shared Utility Disclosure. The form produces a multi-page PDF in legal-document format with all sections, signature lines, and tenant acknowledgment. Both parties should sign the printed copy.
1. Rental Property
2. Shared Utility Arrangement
3. Tenant Information
4. Landlord Information
5. Tenant Acknowledgment
About California Shared Utility Disclosure
California Civil Code Section 1940.9 protects tenants from unknowingly paying for utilities outside their rental unit. The statute requires landlords to disclose any shared meter arrangement, explain how costs are allocated, and give the tenant the option to either accept a written allocation agreement or have the shared meter modified.
California’s Shared Utility Disclosure Framework
- Disclosure statute: CA Civil Code Section 1940.9
- Requirement: written disclosure of shared meter and cost-allocation method
- Tenant option: accept written allocation OR require separate metering
- Applies to: residential rental units where meter serves areas outside the unit
- Tenant remedies: rent abatement, lease termination, statutory damages
What the Disclosure Covers
- Which utilities serve areas outside the tenant’s unit
- How shared costs are allocated
- Tenant’s estimated monthly responsibility
- The tenant’s option to negotiate allocation or require separate metering
Tenant Reporting Responsibilities
California tenants should review the shared utility disclosure carefully. If you discover that your meter serves areas outside your unit but no disclosure was made, you have remedies under Civil Code Section 1940.9 including rent abatement, lease termination, and statutory damages.
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⚖ Legal Disclaimer
This form is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For current California shared utility rules, review CA Civil Code Section 1940.9 and consult California Department of Consumer Affairs. Consult a qualified California attorney for advice specific to your situation.
