California Security Deposit Laws
California limits security deposits to one month's rent for unfurnished units following AB 12's implementation in July 2024, and two months' rent for furnished units.
Key Rules
- Limit
- 1 month rent (unfurnished, effective July 1, 2024 per AB 12); 2 months rent (furnished)
- Return Deadline
- 21 days after tenant vacates
- Itemization Required
- Yes — written itemized statement of deductions required
- Interest Required
- No statewide requirement (some cities require it)
- Permissible Deductions
- Unpaid rent, cleaning, repairs for damage beyond normal wear and tear, restoration of alterations made by tenant
Applicable Statutes
Source confirmed . Confirm current requirements with local legal aid or an attorney.
Security deposit limits, permissible deductions, and 21-day return deadline. As of July 1, 2024 (AB 12), the limit for unfurnished units is one month's rent.
Source confirmed · Official state source
View archived excerpt
“…1872. ) TITLE 5. HIRING [1925 - 1997.270] ( Title 5 enacted 1872. ) CHAPTER 2. Hiring of Real Property [1940 - 1954.071] ( Chapter 2 enacted 1872. ) 1950.5. (a) This section applies to security for a rental agreement for residential property that is used as the dwelling of the tenant.(b) As used in this…”
Legal Aid Resources
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