The security deposit law provides for the cleaning of the premises upon termination of the tenancy necessary to return the unit to the same level of cleanliness it was in at the inception of the tenancy. Effective Jan. 1, 2025, the law was clarified by AB 2801 to specify that a tenant cannot be charged for professional carpet cleaning unless reasonably necessary to return the premises to the same level of cleanliness as at move in, exclusive of ordinary wear and tear. This law also requires landlords to support deductions from the deposit with photographs (starting April 1, 2025). For details, please see Security Deposits: Collection and Return.

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