Security Deposit Rules: Costa Mesa vs Fullerton
How do security deposit rules rules compare between Costa Mesa, CA and Fullerton, CA?
Costa Mesa and Fullerton have similar restriction levels.
Costa Mesa, CA
Orange County
California AB 12 caps security deposits at one month's rent for nearly all Orange County residential tenancies starting July 2024, regardless of furnished or unfurnished status. Small mom-and-pop landlords retain a limited two-month exception.
View full Costa Mesa rules →Fullerton, CA
Orange County
California AB 12 caps security deposits at one month's rent for nearly all Orange County residential tenancies starting July 2024, regardless of furnished or unfurnished status. Small mom-and-pop landlords retain a limited two-month exception.
View full Fullerton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Costa Mesa | Fullerton |
|---|---|---|
| Cap | One month's rent | One month's rent |
| Effective | July 2024 | July 2024 |
| Return deadline | 21 days | 21 days |
| Small-landlord exception | Up to two months | Up to two months |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Costa Mesa FAQ
Does the cap apply to furnished rentals?
Yes. AB 12 eliminated the higher furnished-unit cap. All residential units fall under the one-month limit unless the small-landlord exception applies.
Can my landlord deduct for normal wear and tear?
No. Civil Code 1950.5 prohibits deductions for ordinary wear. Damage beyond reasonable use, unpaid rent, and cleaning beyond move-in condition are deductible with an itemized statement.
Fullerton FAQ
Does the cap apply to furnished rentals?
Yes. AB 12 eliminated the higher furnished-unit cap. All residential units fall under the one-month limit unless the small-landlord exception applies.
Can my landlord deduct for normal wear and tear?
No. Civil Code 1950.5 prohibits deductions for ordinary wear. Damage beyond reasonable use, unpaid rent, and cleaning beyond move-in condition are deductible with an itemized statement.
Compare other topics
See how Costa Mesa and Fullerton 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