California Code, Revenue and Taxation Code - RTC § 202.2

Any reduction in property taxes on leased property used for libraries and museums that are free and open to the public, leased property used exclusively for public schools, community colleges, state colleges, or state universities, including the University of California, or leased property used exclusively for educational purposes by a nonprofit institution of higher education and granted the exemption set forth in subdivision (d) or (e) of Section 3 of Article XIII of the California Constitution shall inure to the benefit of the lessee institution. If the lessor claims the exemption and if the lease or rental agreement does not specifically provide that the exemption contained in subdivision (d) or (e) of Section 3 of Article XIII is taken into account in fixing the terms of the agreement, the lessee shall receive a reduction in rental payments or a refund thereof, if already paid, in an amount equal to the reduction in taxes.

If the lessor does not claim the exemption on property eligible for the exemption contained in subdivision (d) or (e) of Section 3 of Article XIII, the lessee may file a claim for refund under Section 5096 with respect to taxes paid by the lessor on the property. For purposes of Sections 5097 and 5140, the lessee shall be deemed to be the person who paid the tax, and the refund shall be made directly to the lessee. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 270, the full amount of tax paid by the lessor shall be refunded to the lessee.

Any refund granted pursuant to this part shall not be considered a reduction in the sales price or gross receipts from the rental of the property for purposes of Part 1 (commencing with Section 6001), Part 1.5 (commencing with Section 7200), or Part 1.6 (commencing with Section 7251).