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California · Civil Code §2079.10aCalifornia Megan's Law notice in purchase contracts (§2079.10a)

Every California contract for the sale of residential property with one to four units, and every single-family lease, must contain in at least 8-point type a notice that information about specified registered sex offenders is available on the Department of Justice website at www.meganslaw.ca.gov (Civil Code §2079.10a). Once that notice is delivered, the seller and broker are not required to provide more information about the proximity of registered sex offenders, although other disclosure duties are unchanged.

The rules

  1. Where (§2079.10a(a))

    Every contract for the sale of residential real property with one to four dwelling units, every single-family lease and certain multiunit leases.

  2. What

    For contracts since April 1, 2006: information about specified registered sex offenders is made available under Penal Code §290.46 on the DOJ website, www.meganslaw.ca.gov, with an address or community and ZIP code depending on the offender's history.

  3. Type size

    Not less than 8-point type.

  4. Effect (§2079.10a(b))

    After delivery, the seller, lessor or broker need not provide additional information about proximity of registered sex offenders; the notice is deemed adequate.

Good to know

  • The notice does not change other duties under statute or case law, including the TDS article and the broker's duties (§2079.10a(c)).
  • Check that the purchase agreement or an attached addendum carries it; a contract drafted without it must add it.

What the TC tracks

  • Notice present in the contract or an attached addendum.
  • Buyer's signature on the page that carries it.
  • Copy kept with the deal documents.

Questions about the California Megan's Law notice

Do California sellers have to disclose nearby sex offenders?

The contract must contain the Megan's Law database notice; once it is delivered, the seller and broker need not provide more information about proximity of registered sex offenders (Civil Code §2079.10a(b)).

What does the Megan's Law notice say?

That information about specified registered sex offenders is available on the Department of Justice website, www.meganslaw.ca.gov, under Penal Code §290.46.

Which contracts need the Megan's Law notice?

Every contract for the sale of one-to-four unit residential property and every single-family lease (§2079.10a(a)).

Does the notice replace other disclosures?

No. It does not alter other duties of the seller or broker, including those under the TDS article (§2079.10a(c)).

Related guides

Keep the signed contract and disclosure package together in ClosingCode, with each required disclosure tracked as a task with an owner and due date.

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Source: California Civil Code §2079.10a (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov, read October 24, 2026).

General information, not legal advice. ClosingCode is software; it is not a law firm or brokerage.