California Security deposit limit

Related California rules

Deposit return deadline

No later than 21 calendar days after the tenant vacates, the landlord must send an itemized statement of deductions and return any remaining deposit (by personal delivery, first-class mail, or electronically where rent or deposit was paid that way). Since April 1, 2025, the landlord must photograph the unit after it is returned and before repairs or cleaning that will be deducted, and again after those are done.

Verified Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(g)(2), (h) · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full California deposit return deadline page

Interest on deposits

No state statute requiring landlords to pay interest on security deposits was found in Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1940-1954.071. Some cities require it.

Verified Source: Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1940-1954.071 · last checked 2026-10-22 · Full California interest on deposits page

Move-in/move-out checklist

For tenancies beginning on or after July 1, 2025, the landlord must take photos of the unit immediately before or at the start of the tenancy. Before move-out, the landlord must also tell the tenant in writing that they can request an initial inspection (no earlier than two weeks before the tenancy ends, with 48 hours' written notice) and give an itemized list of proposed deductions so the tenant can fix them.

Verified Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(f), (g)(1) · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full California move-in/move-out checklist page