California’s law governing security deposits in residential rental housing can be strict and disputes over security deposits are common. The law has been amended multiple times in the past several…
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…
Security Deposits Ins and Outs Webinar 2026
On-Demand Class
California’s law governing security deposits in residential rental housing can be strict and disputes over security deposits are common. The law has been amended multiple times in the past several…
Forms
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Itemized Disposition of Security Deposit
Itemized Disposition of Security Deposit (Landscape version)
Military Service Member Increased Security Deposit Addendum
Notice of Resident’s Right to Electronic Return of Security Deposit (Resident’s Request for Electronic Return of Security Deposit Included)
Notice of Security Deposit Interest Payment Method – City of Los Angeles
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
FAQs
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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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Question: One of my month-to-month tenants has given 30 days’ notice. This will leave her two roommates behind as the only tenants. What happens with her security deposit and the…
Question: My tenant has let me know (in writing) that they will move out when their one-year fixed-term lease will expire. This is my first tenant and I know the…
At the end of the tenancy, landlord-tenant disputes over the return of the security deposit are common in California, so it’s imperative for rental housing providers to understand state law, including legislation that took effect in January. Meet the speakers…
Questions: I am preparing a lease for my new tenants. I have a few questions about changes in lease and security deposit law.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has approved legislation giving landlords more flexibility when returning a tenant’s security deposit, including through electronic transfers.
Meet the Speakers Whitney Prout Executive Vice President, Legal Affairs, California Apartment Association Mallory Homewood Policy & Compliance Counsel, Local Government Affairs, California Apartment Association Rental housing providers who missed…
Legislation clarifying how landlords return security deposits has cleared the Legislature and now awaits action from the governor.
Question: I understand that as of April 1, we must take photos at move-out and also document repairs with photos when charging the deposit. Is it true that if repairs…
April has arrived, and with it, two new requirements for rental housing providers in California have taken effect—one involving positive rent reporting and another concerning security deposit documentation. New rent…
