Security Deposit Rules: Berkeley vs Castro Valley
How do security deposit rules rules compare between Berkeley, CA and Castro Valley, CA?
Berkeley and Castro Valley have similar restriction levels.
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
Berkeley caps residential security deposits at two months rent for unfurnished units and requires landlords to pay annual interest to tenants, layered atop California Civil Code Section 1950.5 protections.
View full Berkeley rules →Castro Valley, CA
Alameda County
As of July 1, 2024, California landlords may collect no more than one month's rent as a security deposit, regardless of whether the unit is furnished. The deposit, minus any lawful deductions, must be returned with an itemized statement within 21 days after move-out, or the landlord risks penalties of up to twice the deposit.
View full Castro Valley rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | Castro Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Unfurnished cap | Two months rent | - |
| Return deadline | 21 days | 21 days after move-out |
| Interest | Annual, Board-set | - |
| Code | BMC 13.78 | - |
| Deposit cap | - | 1 month's rent (2 months small-landlord exception) |
| Itemized statement | - | Required for any deductions; receipts attached if deductions exceed $125 |
| Statute | - | Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5 |
| Bad-faith penalty | - | Up to 2x deposit + actual damages |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
What is the current interest rate?
The Rent Board publishes the rate every December. Recent rates have ranged from one to three percent depending on prevailing local savings rates.
Does AB 12 affect Berkeley caps?
California AB 12 lowered furnished caps to one month for most landlords starting July 2024. Berkeley applies the more protective state limit alongside its interest rule.
Castro Valley FAQ
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in California?
Since July 1, 2024, no more than one month's rent for furnished or unfurnished units. A small landlord — a natural person owning two or fewer residential properties with four or fewer total units — may charge up to two months' rent (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5).
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in California?
The landlord must return the deposit, less any lawful deductions, along with an itemized statement within 21 calendar days after the tenant vacates the premises (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5).
What can a landlord deduct from a security deposit in California?
Only unpaid rent, cleaning the unit to its move-in condition, and repairing damage caused by the tenant beyond ordinary wear and tear. Receipts must be attached when repair and cleaning deductions exceed $125.
Compare other topics
See how Berkeley and Castro Valley compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool