California’s law governing security deposits in residential rental housing can be strict and disputes over security deposits are common. This webinar will cover key requirements of the law and frequently…
Security Deposits
One of the most common disputes between a landlord and resident is the disposition of the resident’s security deposit.
The law places limits on the amount of money that can be required as a deposit, which depends the rent charged, whether the unit is furnished, and whether the resident is a military servicemember or has a waterbed. The law also provides a deadline and specific procedures for accounting for any deductions from the deposit after the resident has moved out.
The allowed deductions from the deposit are listed in the law, but significant penalties can be imposed for getting it wrong.
Education
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Renewal of Tenancy and End of the Tenancy
On-Demand Class
Renewal of Tenancy and End of the Tenancy: Termination of the tenancy, Three-Day Notices, Abandonment, Disposition of Security Deposit, and the Eviction Process This class will guide you through lease…
Forms
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Itemized Disposition of Security Deposit
Itemized Disposition of Security Deposit (Landscape version)
Military Service Member Increased Security Deposit Addendum
Post-Tenancy Payment Plan Agreement
Santa Cruz Security Deposit Interest Addendum
Security Deposit Disposition Return Agreement
Security Deposit Disposition Return Agreement (Spanish)
Transfer of Security Deposit
Waiver of Right To Receive Documentation With Itemized Disposition of Security Deposit
FAQs
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As an owner, can I charge a pet deposit?
As an owner, do I have to pay to residents interest on security deposits?
As an owner, how many days do I have to return a resident’s security deposit after move out?
Can I charge a “last month’s rent” deposit?
Can I use the security deposit to cover unpaid rent under a month-to-month rental agreement if the resident dies?
How long is the statute of limitations for a former resident to dispute the disposition of the security deposit?
If one of two roommates moves out, am I required to return half of the security deposit to the roommate who left?
What can an owner use a security deposit for?
What is considered normal wear and tear under the security deposit law?
What is the maximum amount of security can an owner charge a tenant?
In the News
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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…
This fall, the California Apartment Association is rebroadcasting two popular webinars covering service animals and security deposits —topics that frequently cause confusion but are critical for rental housing providers to…
Legislation targeting security deposits for military personnel and prohibiting certain tenant fees has been signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
It seems that every year the California Legislature adopts at least a handful of laws that require a change in how California landlords do business. Some years those changes are…
A California law limiting security deposits to one month’s rent for both furnished and unfurnished units took effect today, July 1. The legislation, AB 12 by Assemblyman Matt Haney, D-San…
Legislation now focuses on security deposits for military members & service of notices
Question: I own several residential and commercial rental properties in California. I also own a number of rental properties out of state and manage single family home rentals in California…
A bill mandating interest payments on security deposits and acceptance of reusable screening reports will not move forward this year, following opposition from the California Apartment Association. AB 2785 by…
Question: I’ve already collected the maximum security deposit. Can I still collect a pet deposit if my tenant gets a pet? Answer: No. A pet deposit is subject to the same cumulative…
