Security deposit laws by state › California
California Security Deposit Law and Move-In Costs (2026)
California caps the security deposit at 1 month's rent and requires it back within 21 days with an itemized statement of deductions.
The rules
- Maximum deposit: 1 month's rent — Since July 1, 2024 (AB 12): one month for most landlords; two months if the landlord is an individual (or family LLC) owning no more than two properties with four or fewer total units. One month for active-duty service members regardless. Any prepaid rent beyond the first month counts toward the cap.
- Return deadline: 21 days.
- Interest: Not required. Required by some city ordinances (e.g., Berkeley, San Francisco).
- Separate account: Not required.
- Itemized deductions: Required with the refund.
- Application fee: Capped at actual cost, indexed annually (about $68 in 2025). Must be refunded if no vacancy exists..
Statute: Cal. Civ. Code §1950.5. As of October 25, 2026.
Move-in cash at $1,500/month
The most a California landlord may demand as a deposit on this rent is $1,500.
Getting the deposit back
Document the unit's condition at move-in with dated photos, give proper notice before leaving, return the keys, and hand the landlord a forwarding address in writing — in California and most states the return clock does not start until the landlord can reach you. Normal wear and tear cannot be deducted; damage, cleaning beyond normal use and unpaid rent can. If the deadline passes without a refund or itemized statement, small-claims court is the usual remedy, and many states add penalties of two or three times the deposit for bad-faith withholding.
Local rules
Cities and counties can add requirements on top of California law — interest, caps, inspection rights, fee limits. Check your city's housing or rental-standards office before signing.
Sources
- Cal. Civ. Code §1950.5
- Compared against the Nolo 50-state security-deposit charts and state housing-agency guidance.
Last reviewed October 25, 2026.