Parties, property, rent, deposit, term and key obligations.
California security deposit: one-month cap, 21-day refund & deductions
California security-deposit rules limit what a landlord may deduct and impose specific move-out accounting requirements. Since July 1, 2024, the general security-deposit cap is one month’s rent. A qualifying small landlord can generally charge up to two months’ rent, but that small-landlord exception does not apply when the prospective tenant is a service member. After a tenancy ends, landlords generally have 21 days to return the deposit or provide the required itemized accounting and remaining refund.
Last reviewed: 28 September 2026Ask JEZ AI about my situationVISUAL TENANCY PATH
Lease → problem → notice → tenancy/civil route.
Use this as a quick map. The detailed rules, deadlines and available remedies still depend on the selected jurisdiction and current official sources.
1What does the agreement say?
2What is the actual issue?
3What has been communicated?
4Who decides the dispute?
Repairs, deposit, rent, notice, possession or property condition.
Keep written notices, requests, replies and proof of dates.
Tribunal, board or civil court depends on the jurisdiction and issue.
Facts Evidence Correct local route Check current deadline / procedure
HOW THIS INFORMATION WAS PREPARED
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What to know
- Deductions may generally cover unpaid rent, permitted cleaning, damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, and certain restoration of personal property.
- California added move-out photography requirements for security-deposit deductions beginning in 2025.
- A tenant disputing deductions should preserve the lease, move-in and move-out photos, communications, receipts and the landlord’s itemized statement.
What to do next
- 1Give the landlord a forwarding address and keep proof of when possession was returned.
- 2Compare each deduction with the move-in condition and the permitted statutory purposes.
- 3Request supporting invoices or receipts where applicable and keep the dispute in writing.
ONE PROBLEM · THREE JOBS
Get Instant Complete — all 3 for one Matter Understand it. Prove it. Resolve it.
Use this state guide to understand the route, organise the documents and chronology in Proof, then keep the next communication or action visible in Resolve.
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What is the California security-deposit limit?
Since July 1, 2024, the general residential security-deposit cap is one month’s rent. California law contains a limited exception that can permit a higher deposit for some qualifying small landlords, subject to statutory conditions; that exception does not apply to a prospective tenant who is a service member.
How long does a landlord have to return the deposit?
After the tenancy ends and possession is returned, California landlords generally have 21 days to return the deposit or send the required itemized statement of deductions together with any remaining refund. Keep proof of the move-out date and forwarding address.
What deductions can be made?
Permitted deductions can include unpaid rent, qualifying cleaning, damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, and certain restoration of personal property. California also added move-out photography requirements that can matter when deductions are disputed.
What can change the answer
The result can depend on the exact transaction or relationship, dates, written terms, notices already sent or received, the identity of the other party, the amount involved and whether a regulator, court or tribunal process has already started. Preserve the original documents rather than relying only on summaries or screenshots.
Evidence to keep together
Keep contracts, receipts, invoices, account statements, advertisements, photographs, messages, emails, letters, notices, payment records and a short chronology of what happened. If a formal document contains a response or hearing date, record that date separately and verify the procedure with the cited official authority.
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CITED OFFICIAL AUTHORITIES
Start with California authorities.
These links go to government, regulator, court or primary-law sources used to ground this guide. Check the source before acting because laws and procedures can change.