California Security Deposit Laws 2026
Here's what California law says about security deposit returns, deadlines, and penalties. All information is sourced from CA Civil Code § 1950.5.
Return Deadline
21 calendar days
from move-out date to return your deposit
Penalty for Violations
Up to 2x your deposit amount
Requires a finding of bad faith by the landlord.
Deposit Cap
Maximum security deposit: 1 month rent
Itemization Requirements
- Itemized statement required: Yes
- Itemization deadline: 21 days
- Receipts required: Yes
Interest Requirements
Not required. Your landlord does not have to pay interest on your deposit.
Statute of Limitations
- Written lease: 4 years
- Oral lease: 2 years
Small Claims Court
Maximum claim: $12,500
Primary Statute
Important Exceptions & Edge Cases
AB 12 small-landlord exception: natural person or all-natural-person LLC, ≤2 properties, ≤4 total units → deposit max is 2.0 months rent instead of 1.0. Does not apply if tenant is a service member.
AB 2801: For tenancies beginning on or after Jul 1, 2025, landlord must take photos immediately before or at inception of tenancy AND after move-out before/after repairs.
AB 2801: For existing tenancies (move-outs after Apr 1, 2025), landlord must take photos after possession returned (pre-repair) and after repairs/cleaning completed.
If deductions exceed $125, landlord must attach copies of documents showing charges (receipts, invoices, etc.) to itemized statement.
AB 414 (effective Jan 1, 2026): Landlord and tenant may agree to electronic deposit return. If deposit was originally paid electronically, return must be electronic unless parties agree otherwise in writing.
Think your landlord violated California law?
Generate a demand letter that cites CA Civil Code § 1950.5 and puts your landlord on notice.
This is not legal advice. Reclaim provides legal information and document generation tools. The information on this page is sourced from CA Civil Code § 1950.5 and is current as of July 1, 2024. For specific legal questions, consult a licensed attorney in California.