How much a landlord can charge for a security deposit in California, the deadline to return it after move-out, and the statute that controls — verified June 7, 2026.
1 month of rent (2 months for a natural-person/all-natural-person-LLC landlord owning no more than 2 properties totaling no more than 4 units); AB 12 eff. July 1, 2024. AB 12 caps deposits at one month's rent (small-landlord exception of two months), effective July 1, 2024; itemized statement and balance due within 21 calendar days after the tenant vacates.
21 days. Read Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5 for the exact triggers, itemization requirements, and penalties for late or bad-faith withholding.
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1 month of rent (2 months for a natural-person/all-natural-person-LLC landlord owning no more than 2 properties totaling no more than 4 units); AB 12 eff. July 1, 2024. AB 12 caps deposits at one month's rent (small-landlord exception of two months), effective July 1, 2024; itemized statement and balance due within 21 calendar days after the tenant vacates. This is a best-effort summary verified against the official statute (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5) on June 7, 2026 — always confirm with the current law or an attorney.
21 days. See Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5 for the exact conditions and any itemization requirements.
Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5. The official text is published by the state at https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV§ionNum=1950.5..
No. This page is a best-effort summary compiled from primary legal authority and verified on June 7, 2026. Statutes change, and many states use tiers or exceptions a summary can't capture. Confirm with the current statute or a licensed attorney before relying on it.
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