California Civil Code § 1950.5: California security deposit rules in plain English
What California Civil Code § 1950.5 says about California security deposits: the cap, the deadline to return the deposit, itemized deductions and interest. Every fact below comes from our statute-checked data. Last verified 2026-10-22.
Quick answer
- Return deadline
- 21 days
- Maximum deposit
- 1 month's rent for most landlords (since July 1, 2024, AB 12); 2 months for small landlords (a natural person, or an LLC whose members are all natural persons, owning at most 2 residential rental properties with at most 4 units total). The small-landlord exception does not apply to service-member tenants. Deposits can never be 'non-refundable'.
- Itemized list
- Yes, an itemized list of deductions is required
- Interest
- Not stated in our verified data
What California Civil Code § 1950.5 says, as we verified it
Deposit limit
1 month's rent for most landlords (since July 1, 2024, AB 12); 2 months for small landlords (a natural person, or an LLC whose members are all natural persons, owning at most 2 residential rental properties with at most 4 units total). The small-landlord exception does not apply to service-member tenants. Deposits can never be 'non-refundable'.
Full citation: Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5 Read the official text
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FAQ: California Civil Code § 1950.5
How long does a landlord have to return a deposit under California Civil Code § 1950.5?
Under California Civil Code § 1950.5, a California landlord has 21 days to return the security deposit or send an itemized list of deductions.
Is there a limit on the security deposit in California?
1 month's rent for most landlords (since July 1, 2024, AB 12); 2 months for small landlords (a natural person, or an LLC whose members are all natural persons, owning at most 2 residential rental properties with at most 4 units total). The small-landlord exception does not apply to service-member tenants. Deposits can never be 'non-refundable'.
Does California require an itemized list of deductions?
Yes, an itemized list of deductions is required. Citation: Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5.
Does the landlord have to pay interest on the deposit in California?
Not stated in our verified data.
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Scan my California leaseGeneral information only, not legal advice. Last verified 2026-10-22. Laws change; verify with the linked source or a licensed attorney.