California landlord-tenant law

2 of 7 topics verified

Local rules also apply in: Berkeley, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Mountain View, Oakland, Pasadena, Richmond, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Monica, West Hollywood

Quick facts

Topic	At a glance
Security deposit limit	Generally capped at one month's rent, in addition to first month's rent.
Deposit return deadline	Within 21 calendar days after the tenant moves out: an itemized statement plus any remaining deposit.
Notice to enter	Not yet verified
Rent increase notice	Not yet verified
Late fees	Not yet verified
Eviction notice (nonpayment)	Not yet verified
Rent control / state preemption	Not yet verified

Details & sources

Security deposit limit

Generally capped at one month's rent, in addition to first month's rent. Up to two months is allowed for a small landlord: a natural person, or an LLC whose members are all natural persons, owning no more than two residential rental properties with no more than four units in total (rule in effect from July 1, 2024).

Verified Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(c) · last checked 2026-10-15

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Deposit return deadline

Within 21 calendar days after the tenant moves out: an itemized statement plus any remaining deposit. If repairs can't be finished in time, deduct a good-faith estimate and send the final accounting within 14 days of completing the work.

Verified Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(h) · last checked 2026-10-15

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