California Security Deposit Law
Statute text last checked: October 23, 2026
Return deadline
21 days
Statute
Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5
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Check your California lease →How much can a landlord charge?
Generally 1 month's rent (for deposits collected on or after July 1, 2024). A qualifying small landlord (a natural person, or an LLC/family trust of natural persons, owning no more than 2 residential properties with no more than 4 units total) may collect up to 2 months, but not from a service member.
When must the deposit be returned?
Within 21 days after the tenant vacates, the landlord must return the deposit and/or send an itemized statement of deductions.
Key rules
- Deductions are limited to unpaid rent, cleaning to the move-in level of cleanliness, repair of damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, and other items the statute allows.
- Receipts or invoices must accompany the itemized statement for repairs or cleaning over $125, with limited exceptions.
- Landlords must take photos of the unit at move-out (starting April 1, 2025), and at move-in for tenancies beginning on or after July 1, 2025, to support deductions.
- A lease cannot make a security deposit nonrefundable.
If the landlord doesn't follow the law
If a landlord keeps a deposit in bad faith, a court may award statutory damages of up to twice the amount of the deposit, in addition to actual damages.
Frequently asked questions
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in California?
For most landlords, no more than one month's rent. A qualifying small landlord may charge up to two months' rent, except to a service member.
How long does a California landlord have to return a deposit?
21 days after the tenant moves out, together with an itemized statement of any deductions.
Can a California lease say the deposit is nonrefundable?
No. Civil Code § 1950.5 says no lease may characterize a security deposit as nonrefundable.
Sources
- Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5 (official text)
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