California · Security deposits · Updated Oct 2026

California security deposit law

How much a landlord in California can charge, the deadline to return a deposit, what may be deducted, the penalty for keeping it wrongly and how to get yours back.

Short answer

In California, the deposit limit is: One month's rent, furnished or unfurnished (since July 1, 2024). The landlord must return it as follows: Within 21 days after you move out, the landlord must return the full deposit, or mail or hand you an itemized statement of deductions together with the rest of the money.

deposit limit
1 month's rent (with exceptions)
to return a deposit
21 days
deposit penalty
Up to 2× (bad faith)

Security deposit in California

Limit
One month's rent, furnished or unfurnished (since July 1, 2024). Pet deposits, key fees and cleaning fees all count toward this limit. Exception: a 'small landlord' (an individual, or an LLC owned by individuals, that owns no more than two rental properties with no more than 4 units in total) may charge up to two months' rent, but only one month's rent to a service member.
Deadline to return it
Within 21 days after you move out, the landlord must return the full deposit, or mail or hand you an itemized statement of deductions together with the rest of the money. Since January 1, 2026, if you paid the deposit or rent by a digital method (bank transfer, Zelle, online portal), the landlord must return it digitally unless you agree in writing to another method. Otherwise it goes to your last known address, so give the landlord your new address in writing.
Itemized list
Yes. The statement must list each deduction and include copies of receipts or invoices (for work by the landlord's own staff: a description, time spent and a reasonable hourly rate). If work cannot be finished in 21 days, the landlord may send a good-faith estimate, then must send the corrected statement and receipts within 14 days after the work is done. Receipts are not required if total deductions are under $125 or you signed a waiver. Since April 1, 2025, the landlord must also send photos taken after you move out and after repairs or cleaning. Civ. Code § 1950.5(g)-(h).
What may be deducted
Only what is reasonably necessary for: unpaid rent; cleaning to return the unit to its move-in level of cleanliness; repair of damage beyond normal wear and tear caused by you or your guests; and, if the lease allows, replacing furniture or other items (including keys). No deductions for pre-existing damage or normal wear and tear. A deposit can never be 'nonrefundable.' Since January 1, 2025, routine professional carpet or other professional cleaning cannot be charged unless needed to return the unit to move-in condition.
Interest
No statewide requirement. Some cities with rent control (for example Los Angeles, San Francisco) require interest under local ordinances.
Move-in checklist
No checklist is required by state law, but for tenancies starting on or after July 1, 2025 the landlord must take photos of the unit at or just before move-in. You can ask for an 'initial inspection' in the last two weeks before you move out; the landlord must give at least 48 hours' written notice and list what you can fix to avoid deductions. Civ. Code § 1950.5(f), (g).
If the landlord keeps it wrongly
You can sue (small claims up to $12,500) for the deposit wrongly kept. If the landlord acted in bad faith, the court can add a penalty of up to twice the deposit amount, plus your actual damages. The landlord must prove the deductions were reasonable.
Law
Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5

Get your deposit back, step by step

  1. Before you move out, clean, take dated photos and video of every room, and return all keys.
  2. Give your landlord your new address in writing. In California: Otherwise it goes to your last known address, so give the landlord your new address in writing.
  3. Wait for the deadline: Within 21 days after you move out, the landlord must return the full deposit, or mail or hand you an itemized statement of deductions together with the rest of the money.
  4. If the money or an itemized list doesn't come, or the deductions are wrong, send a demand letter (below). Keep proof of mailing.
  5. If that doesn't work, sue in small claims court. Limit: $12,500 for individuals and sole proprietors ($6,250 for businesses and public entities). Small claims court in California on Small Claims Map

Deposit return calculator for California

Find your state's deadline for returning a security deposit, whether your landlord is late and what you may be owed. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.

Enter your deposit and move-out dateThe result appears as you type.

An estimate from the dates you enter and the rule in our data, not legal advice. We skip weekends only where the rule counts business days, and we don't skip holidays.

Security deposit demand letter for California

A short, firm and polite letter asking your landlord to return your deposit by a date. It cites your state's deposit law. Many landlords pay at this step, and the letter is proof that you asked. Fill this in, download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it), sign it, keep a copy and send it in a way you can prove, such as certified mail with a return receipt.

Your letter is made in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to us or anyone else.

The name on your lease or rent receipts.

We suggest 14 days.

One or two sentences. This text goes into the letter as written.

Small claims court in California

Deposit disputes usually go to small claims court, where you don't need a lawyer. Limit: $12,500 for individuals and sole proprietors ($6,250 for businesses and public entities).

How to file in California

Questions about security deposits in California

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in California?

One month's rent, furnished or unfurnished (since July 1, 2024). Pet deposits, key fees and cleaning fees all count toward this limit. Exception: a 'small landlord' (an individual, or an LLC owned by individuals, that owns no more than two rental properties with no more than 4 units in total) may charge up to two months' rent, but only one month's rent to a service member.

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in California?

Within 21 days after you move out, the landlord must return the full deposit, or mail or hand you an itemized statement of deductions together with the rest of the money. Since January 1, 2026, if you paid the deposit or rent by a digital method (bank transfer, Zelle, online portal), the landlord must return it digitally unless you agree in writing to another method. Otherwise it goes to your last known address, so give the landlord your new address in writing.

What can I do if my landlord won't return my deposit in California?

You can sue (small claims up to $12,500) for the deposit wrongly kept. If the landlord acted in bad faith, the court can add a penalty of up to twice the deposit amount, plus your actual damages. The landlord must prove the deductions were reasonable.

What can a landlord deduct from a security deposit in California?

Only what is reasonably necessary for: unpaid rent; cleaning to return the unit to its move-in level of cleanliness; repair of damage beyond normal wear and tear caused by you or your guests; and, if the lease allows, replacing furniture or other items (including keys). No deductions for pre-existing damage or normal wear and tear. A deposit can never be 'nonrefundable.' Since January 1, 2025, routine professional carpet or other professional cleaning cannot be charged unless needed to return the unit to move-in condition.

Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in California?

No statewide requirement. Some cities with rent control (for example Los Angeles, San Francisco) require interest under local ordinances.

What is the small claims limit in California?

$12,500 for individuals and sole proprietors ($6,250 for businesses and public entities).

More for California renters

Security deposit in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 2026.