AI Property Contracts is a USA Houses Network propertyExplore the network

Plain-English law guide

Starting points for a California property contract

This educational summary highlights official statutes to discuss with a title company or attorney. It is incomplete and may not cover local rules, exceptions, case law, or your facts.

Validity and disclosure starting points

Basic contract elements

California Civil Code section 1550 lists parties capable of contracting, their consent, a lawful object, and sufficient cause or consideration as essential elements of a contract. Date checked: 2026-10-16.

Read official statute

Writing requirement for a property sale

California Civil Code section 1624 says an agreement for the sale of real property, or an interest in it, generally must be in writing and signed by the party against whom enforcement is sought, subject to the statute's terms and exceptions. Date checked: 2026-10-16.

Read official statute

Transfer disclosure statement

California Civil Code section 1102.6 sets out the statutory real-estate transfer disclosure statement. Applicability and exemptions must be checked for the particular transfer. Date checked: 2026-10-16.

Read official statute

Natural hazard disclosure

California Civil Code section 1103.2 sets out the natural hazard disclosure statement used for transfers covered by that law. Applicability and exemptions must be checked for the property. Date checked: 2026-10-16.

Read official statute

Not legal advice. Official sources can change after the date checked; confirm current law and transaction-specific requirements with qualified counsel.

California forms library

Return to hosted, official-link, and original-review materials.

View forms