Hi I am in a rental property with a " shake hand lease " agreement, the landlord now wants a written agreement for " refinance" am I
1. required to sign this lease
2. backdate it 3 years is that legal here in CA?

There are also several repairs required from A/C-pool- leaking garage roof, he is not willing to reapir says he does not have the $$$, I know that CA law says I can take the repairs of the rent. I don't want to sign anything until the repairs are made.

Apparently he wants to refinance his mortgage. So he needs to show the bank he has a long term tenant. I see nothing wrong with signing a lease that states you have been living the for 3 years. I would not sign one that says it took effect 3 years ago.

But yes, tell him when he completes the repairs you will sign a lease you can agree on.