California Security Deposit Law
California rules on security deposits for renters and landlords, with the statute or official page behind each answer. Last verified: 2026-10-22.
Short answer: One month's rent, in addition to the first month's rent. Small-landlord exception: up to two months' rent if the landlord is a natural person (or an LLC whose members are all natural persons) who owns no more than two residential rental properties with no more than four units in total. Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(c)(1), (c)(5)
The rules in California
| Security deposit limit | One month's rent, in addition to the first month's rent. Small-landlord exception: up to two months' rent if the landlord is a natural person (or an LLC whose members are all natural persons) who owns no more than two residential rental properties with no more than four units in total. The exception does not apply if the prospective tenant is a service member. AB 12 (2023) cap applies to security collected on or after July 1, 2024 (§ 1950.5(c)(6)). Advance payment of 6+ months' rent is allowed on leases of 6 months or longer. Since April 1, 2025, a landlord who charges a service member a higher deposit must explain why in writing and return the extra after 6 months if rent is current. 'Nonrefundable' deposits are prohibited (§ 1950.5(n)). |
|---|---|
| Deposit return deadline | No later than 21 calendar days after the tenant vacates. The landlord must return the remaining deposit with an itemized statement. AB 414 (Stats. 2025, ch. 340, effective January 1, 2026): if the tenant paid the deposit or rent electronically, the refund must generally be made electronically to an account the tenant designates, unless the parties agree in writing to another method. Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(h)(1) |
| Itemized deductions | The landlord must give an itemized statement of deductions. For deductions over $125, it must include copies of receipts or invoices, or the landlord's own time and hourly rate. If work cannot be finished within 21 days, a good-faith estimate is allowed, with documents due within 14 days of completion. Deductions for repairs or cleaning must include photographs. The tenant may also request a pre-move-out initial inspection, at which the landlord lists proposed deductions so the tenant can fix them. Photo rules from AB 2801 (2024): since April 1, 2025, photos are required at move-out (before repairs) and again after repairs. For tenancies beginning on or after July 1, 2025, photos are also required at move-in. Deductions are not allowed for ordinary wear and tear or for conditions that existed before the tenancy. |
| Interest on deposits | No statewide requirement to pay interest on security deposits. The statewide deposit statute contains no interest requirement. Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5 |
| Penalty for withholding | Bad-faith retention can bring statutory damages of up to twice the amount of the deposit, plus actual damages. A landlord who in bad faith fails to comply with the itemization and documentation rules may claim no part of the deposit. The landlord bears the burden of proving the deductions were reasonable. Deposit suits may be filed in small claims court (§ 1950.5(o)). |
Free calculators
- Security Deposit Deadline Calculator — See when your landlord must return your deposit, and the penalty your state sets if they don't.
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Related questions
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit?
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit?
- What can a landlord charge for at move-out (cleaning, painting, carpet)?
California vs. neighboring states
| State | Security deposit limit | Deposit return deadline | Itemized deductions |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | One month's rent, in addition to the first month's rent. Small-landlord exception: up to two months' rent if the landlord is a natural person (or an LLC whose members are all natural persons) who owns no more than two residential rental properties with no more than four units in total. The exception does not apply if the prospective tenant is a service member. Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(c)(1), (c)(5) | No later than 21 calendar days after the tenant vacates. The landlord must return the remaining deposit with an itemized statement. Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(h)(1) | The landlord must give an itemized statement of deductions. For deductions over $125, it must include copies of receipts or invoices, or the landlord's own time and hourly rate. If work cannot be finished within 21 days, a good-faith estimate is allowed, with documents due within 14 days of completion. Deductions for repairs or cleaning must include photographs. The tenant may also request a pre-move-out initial inspection, at which the landlord lists proposed deductions so the tenant can fix them. Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(f), (g), (h)(2)-(5) |
| Arizona | One and one-half months' rent, counting all security however labeled, including prepaid rent. A tenant may still voluntarily prepay more rent. A.R.S. § 33-1321(A) | Within 14 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, after the tenancy ends, possession is delivered, and the tenant demands the deposit. A.R.S. § 33-1321(D) | The landlord must provide an itemized list of all deductions together with any amount due to the tenant. Deductions may cover rent, charges specified in the signed lease (subject to the duty to mitigate), and damages from the tenant's noncompliance with § 33-1341. If the tenant does not dispute the deductions within 60 days after mailing, the list becomes final and further claims are waived. A.R.S. § 33-1321(D) |
| Nevada | Security deposit plus any surety bond may not total more than 3 months' periodic rent. NRS 118A.242(1) | 30 days after termination of the tenancy. NRS 118A.242(4) | Landlord must give an itemized, written accounting of the disposition of the deposit (and/or surety bond) with any remaining balance within 30 days. Deductions limited to unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear, and reasonable cleaning costs. NRS 118A.242(4) |
| Oregon | No statutory cap on the amount of a security deposit. ORS 90.300 | 31 days after the tenancy terminates and the tenant delivers possession. ORS 90.300(12)-(13) | Within the same 31 days, the landlord must give a written accounting stating specifically the basis of each claim. Deductions are limited to amounts reasonably necessary to remedy tenant defaults (including unpaid rent) or repair damage beyond ordinary wear and tear. ORS 90.300(7), (12) |
City rules that may add to state law
- Anaheim
- Bakersfield
- Berkeley
- Fresno
- Glendale
- Long Beach
- Los Angeles
- Mountain View
- Oakland
- Pasadena
- Riverside
- Sacramento
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Santa Ana
- Santa Monica
- West Hollywood
More California rental law
- California Eviction Laws
- California Notice to Vacate Rules
- Landlord Entry Rules in California
- California Repairs & Tenant Remedies
- California Rent Increase & Late Fee Laws
- Breaking a Lease in California
- Squatters' Rights in California
- California Rental Fee Rules
- California Section 8, Records & Right to Counsel
- California Mold, Pests, Heat & AC Rules
- California Privacy, Guests & Animal Rules
- California Landlord Selling the House
- California Lockouts, Utility Shutoffs & Retaliation
- California Subletting, Lease Endings & Tenant Death
- All California landlord-tenant rules
- Free legal help in California
Compare security deposits in all 50 states and DC →
California Security Deposit Law FAQ
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in California?
One month's rent, in addition to the first month's rent. Small-landlord exception: up to two months' rent if the landlord is a natural person (or an LLC whose members are all natural persons) who owns no more than two residential rental properties with no more than four units in total. The exception does not apply if the prospective tenant is a service member. (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(c)(1), (c)(5))
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in California?
No later than 21 calendar days after the tenant vacates. The landlord must return the remaining deposit with an itemized statement. (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(h)(1))
Does a landlord in California have to give an itemized list of deposit deductions?
The landlord must give an itemized statement of deductions. For deductions over $125, it must include copies of receipts or invoices, or the landlord's own time and hourly rate. If work cannot be finished within 21 days, a good-faith estimate is allowed, with documents due within 14 days of completion. Deductions for repairs or cleaning must include photographs. The tenant may also request a pre-move-out initial inspection, at which the landlord lists proposed deductions so the tenant can fix them. (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(f), (g), (h)(2)-(5))
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in California?
No statewide requirement to pay interest on security deposits. (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5)
What happens if a landlord in California wrongfully keeps a security deposit?
Bad-faith retention can bring statutory damages of up to twice the amount of the deposit, plus actual damages. A landlord who in bad faith fails to comply with the itemization and documentation rules may claim no part of the deposit. (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(h)(7), (m))
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.