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HomeCommercial CodeDiv. 10Ch. 5Art. 1§ 10503 Lease Default Remedies

§ 10503 Lease Default Remedies

Commercial Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 10503 Lease Default Remedies

This law lets a lease agreement add or change the usual rules for what happens when someone breaks the lease, and it allows limits on damages unless those limits are unfair.

Key Takeaways

  • •A lease can add or change the usual default remedies.
  • •An exclusive remedy only applies if the lease clearly says it is exclusive.
  • •Damages for indirect losses can be limited unless it would be unfair.
  • •The rules do not stop parties from using other rights that are connected to the lease.

Example

A tenant stops paying rent and the landlord wants to evict and also keep the security deposit.

Because of this law, the lease can say the landlord may keep the deposit and also sue for unpaid rent, even though the normal rules might only allow one of those actions.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 10503 Lease Default Remedies

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this division, the lease agreement may include rights and remedies for default in addition to or in substitution for those provided in this division and may limit or alter the measure of damages recoverable under this division. (b) Resort to a remedy provided under this division or in the lease agreement is optional unless the remedy is expressly agreed to be exclusive. If circumstances cause an exclusive or limited remedy to fail of its essential purpose, or provision for an exclusive remedy is unconscionable, remedy may be had as provided in this division. (c) Consequential damages may be liquidated under Section 10504, or may otherwise be limited, altered, or excluded unless the limitation, alteration, or exclusion is unconscionable. Limitation, alteration, or exclusion of consequential damages for injury to the person in the case of consumer goods is prima facie unconscionable but limitation, alteration, or exclusion of damages where the loss is commercial is not prima facie unconscionable. (d) Rights and remedies on default by the lessor or the lessee with respect to any obligation or promise collateral or ancillary to the lease contract are not impaired by this division. (Amended by Stats. 1991, Ch. 111, Sec. 41. Effective July 15, 1991.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

lease agreementrights and remediesdefaultconsequential damagesunconscionable

Related Statutes

  • § 10501 Lease Default Enforcement Rights
  • § 10502 Lease Default Notice Waiver
  • § 10505 Lease Cancellation And Termination
  • § 10506 Lease Default Action Deadlines
  • § 10504 Lease Damage Liquidation Rules

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Commercial Code. Section 10503.
View Official Source