Security Deposit Rules: Daly City vs San Mateo
How do security deposit rules rules compare between Daly City, CA and San Mateo, CA?
Daly City and San Mateo have similar restriction levels.
Daly City, CA
San Mateo 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 Daly City rules →San Mateo, CA
San Mateo 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 San Mateo rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Daly City | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit cap | 1 month's rent (2 months small-landlord exception) | 1 month's rent (2 months small-landlord exception) |
| Return deadline | 21 days after move-out | 21 days after move-out |
| Itemized statement | Required for any deductions; receipts attached if deductions exceed $125 | Required for any deductions; receipts attached if deductions exceed $125 |
| Statute | Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5 | Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5 |
| Bad-faith penalty | Up to 2x deposit + actual damages | Up to 2x deposit + actual damages |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Daly City 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.
San Mateo 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.
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