California Lithium-Ion Battery & Micromobility Device Safety Addendum

What Does the California Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Addendum Cover?

Lithium-ion battery-powered devices are increasingly popular, making them an important issue for California landlords and property managers. The California Lithium-Ion Battery & Micromobility Device Safety Addendum establishes reasonable safety expectations for tenants in compliance with federal and California landlord-tenant laws.

Landlords should attach this addendum to their California Residential Lease Agreement to cover best practices and safety requirements for using, storing, and maintaining lithium-ion batteries on the rental property.

Specifically, it addresses tenant responsibilities for:

• Using manufacturer-approved batteries and chargers
• Inspecting batteries for damage
• Following recall notices
• Charging and storing batteries
• Recognizing warning signs of battery failure
• Responding appropriately to hazardous conditions
• Complying with California law, local fire codes, building rules, and manufacturer safety instructions

The addendum also clarifies that Landlords do not assume responsibility for inspecting or maintaining tenant-owned batteries or devices.

This California Lithium-Ion Battery & Micromobility Device Safety Addendum is fully customizable and can be completed online before downloading or printing for your lease package.

California Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Addendum FAQs

What Is a California Lithium-Ion Battery & Micromobility Device Safety Addendum?

A California Lithium-Ion Battery & Micromobility Device Safety Addendum is a lease addendum that provides safety expectations for tenants with lithium-ion battery-powered devices, including electric bicycles and electric scooters. It provides tenant expectations for how tenants can safely charge, store, and maintain lithium-ion batteries.

Why Should California Landlords Use a Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Addendum?

The purpose of a lithium-ion battery safety addendum is to reduce the risk of fires and hazardous conditions caused by lithium-ion batteries and related micromobility devices. The safety addendum communicates expectations for safe battery use, charging, and storage.

What Devices Are Covered by the Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Addendum?

The addendum applies to rechargeable lithium-ion battery-powered devices, including but not limited to:

• Electric bicycles (e-bikes)
• Electric scooters
• Electric skateboards
• Hoverboards
• Mobility devices
• Battery packs
• Replacement lithium-ion batteries

What Is Included in the California Battery Safety Addendum?

The California Lithium-Ion Battery & Micromobility Device Safety Addendum covers safe charging, storage, maintenance, and operation of lithium-ion batteries and the devices that use these batteries. It outlines signs of battery failure, explains fire safety procedures, and addresses hazardous conditions. It also requires tenants to comply with California law, local fire codes, and manufacturer safety instructions. Landlords can customize the form to include specific responsibilities and safety requirements.

What Lithium-Ion Battery Rules Can Landlords Include in the Addendum?

Landlords can include reasonable rules as long as they comply with California and federal landlord-tenant laws. Property owners may provide specific requirements about charging batteries, approved batteries, storage requirements, maintenance, and disposal.

California law expressly allows landlords to prohibit repair and maintenance of batteries inside the unit, require storage that complies with all applicable fire codes, and require compliance with California’s Fire Marshal battery safety guidance.

Generally, landlords may not prohibit tenants from owning lithium-ion batteries or devices that use these batteries; instead, landlords must focus on requirements that ensure proper storage, charging, maintenance, and use of lithium-ion batteries.

How to Add the Battery Safety Addendum to a California Lease

Landlords who create a California Lease Agreement can include the battery safety addendum with just the click of a button. When you customize your lease, you’ll select from a list of Additional Documents you want to include. Simply check the box for the California Lithium-Ion Battery and Micromobility Device Safety Addendum to include this in your lease package.

If you’re adding the addendum to an existing lease, go to our forms section, search for the document, and click “Create Document.” Follow prompts to customize the form. Once you and your tenant sign it, it becomes an addendum to your existing rental agreement.