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HomeCommercial CodeDiv. 10Ch. 2§ 10221 Lease Goods Casualty Rules

§ 10221 Lease Goods Casualty Rules

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

§ 10221 Lease Goods Casualty Rules

This law says that if something rented gets damaged or destroyed before the renter gets it, the renter can cancel the rental or get a discount if they still want it.

Key Takeaways

  • •If the rented item is completely destroyed before you get it, the rental is canceled.
  • •If the item is only partly damaged, you can still cancel or take it with a price cut.
  • •This doesn’t apply if the damage is your fault, the owner’s fault, or the supplier’s fault.

Example

You rent a car, but before you pick it up, a tree falls on it and smashes the roof.

You can choose to cancel the rental or take the car with a lower price because it's damaged.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 10221 Lease Goods Casualty Rules

If a lease contract requires goods identified when the lease contract is made, and the goods suffer casualty without fault of the lessee, the lessor, or the supplier before delivery, or the goods suffer casualty before risk of loss passes to the lessee pursuant to the lease agreement or Section 10219, then: (1) If the loss is total, the lease contract is avoided; and (2) If the loss is partial or the goods have so deteriorated as to no longer conform to the lease contract, the lessee may nevertheless demand inspection and at his or her option either treat the lease contract as avoided or, except in a finance lease, accept the goods with due allowance from the rent payable for the balance of the lease term for the deterioration or the deficiency in quantity but without further right against the lessor. (Amended by Stats. 1991, Ch. 111, Sec. 23. Effective July 15, 1991.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

lease contractgoodscasualtylesseelessorsupplierrisk of lossfinance lease

Related Statutes

  • § 10209 Lessee Warranty Rights Extension
  • § 10213 Lease Fitness Warranty
  • § 10218 Lessee Insurable Interest Rules
  • § 10220 Lessee Risk Of Loss
  • § 10211 Lessor Warranty Against Claims

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Commercial Code. Section 10221.
View Official Source