California · C.A.R. RPACalifornia purchase agreement (RPA): deadlines and how to count them
In the C.A.R. California Residential Purchase Agreement (RPA, revised 12/22), the day of acceptance is day 0 and each period ends at 11:59 p.m. on its last day. The deposit is due within 3 business days, the seller delivers documents within 7 days, the investigation, appraisal and loan contingencies run 17 days by default and must be removed in writing, and the final verification of condition is 5 days before close of escrow. A last day that lands on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday moves to the next day.
Default timelines (unless the contract says otherwise)
Day 0
Acceptance
The day the acceptance is received; day 1 is the next full calendar day.
3 business days
Deposit to escrow
Delivery of the deposit counts business days; every other period counts calendar days.
7 days
Seller delivers documents
Disclosures and reports the seller must deliver.
17 days
Contingencies
Investigation, appraisal and loan contingencies; seller documents and the preliminary title report 17 days, or 5 days after delivery, whichever is later. Removed in writing.
If the buyer does not remove
Notice to Buyer to Perform
The seller may deliver it, giving at least 2 days; then the seller may cancel.
5 days before COE
Final verification of condition
The buyer's last look at the property before close of escrow.
COE
Close of escrow
On the agreed date; if the recorder, lender or escrow is closed that day, it moves to the next day all are open.
How the RPA counts days
Calendar days
"Days" means calendar days; only the deposit delivery counts business days.
Ends at 11:59 p.m.
The last day for performance ends at 11:59 p.m.
Weekends and holidays
After acceptance, a Scheduled Performance Day on a Saturday, Sunday or Legal Holiday moves to the next day that is not one.
California holidays count
Legal Holiday includes holidays under California Civil Code §§7 and 7.1 and Government Code §6700 – not only federal ones: for example Lincoln Day (Feb 12), Farmworkers Day (Mar 31), Genocide Remembrance Day (Apr 24), Admission Day (Sep 9), Native American Day (4th Friday of September), Lunar New Year and Diwali.
Questions about RPA deadlines
How many days are contingencies in the California RPA?
By default 17 days after acceptance for investigation, appraisal and loan, unless the contract states another number.
When is the deposit due in California?
Within 3 business days after acceptance under the RPA, unless otherwise agreed.
Do California contract deadlines move off weekends?
Yes – after acceptance, a last day that falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday moves to the next day that is not.
What time does an RPA deadline end?
At 11:59 p.m. on the last day for performance.
When is the final verification of condition?
By default 5 days before close of escrow.
California and other states
ClosingCode counts California deadlines with the RPA's rules – day 0, business days for the deposit, moves off weekends and California legal holidays, Lunar New Year and Diwali included (Good Friday afternoon and lunar dates that sources put a day apart are flagged for you to check) – and reminds the team before each one.
Start free trialSource: California Association of REALTORS® California Residential Purchase Agreement (RPA, revised 12/22), ¶3 timeframes and the definitions of Days and counting. Check the version used in your deal.
General information, not legal advice. ClosingCode is software; it is not a law firm or brokerage, and it is not affiliated with C.A.R.