Need help on landlord/tenant related question

[Debasish Bhattacharjee]

I have a rental property in northern California. Current tenant's lease is expiring on June 30th, 2021 and they are not renewing.

1. What would be your recommendation to list the property. I still have another 5~6 weeks to go. If I list the property, do you think any future / prospective tenant will finalize before in-person visit? ( Even though the listing will have all pictures ).

2. Generally how much buffer time a landlord needs after an existing tenant moves out and before a new tenant moves in? 

3. Current lease mentioned an existing tenant to clean up the property before handing over the key. If the tenant cleans up and it is not satisfactory, the landlord needs to clean up the house again by professional cleaner. Can the landlord deduct the amount from the security deposit of the tenant?

4. For New listing, what should be the security deposit? Is it gonna be one month's rent or 1.5X or 2X rent?

5. Do you know where should I get a rental lease document including an addendum?

6. For e-signature / do you have any recommendation for free e-signature. I see docusign and a few other charges. If you happen to know, please let me know which are free and good.

Thanks!

[Marian Smith]

@Debasish Bhattacharjee sounds like you would be a good candidate for a Landlord 101 type book purchase. I don't have any recommendations but the Nolo series might be good for you because landlords absolutely need to be aware of the laws regarding their business. Also, If you have read some of the horror stories here, you know that screening your next tenant is of utmost importance in California or any market where landlord tenant laws favor the tenant.