Los Angeles vs Palmdale
How do security deposit rules rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and Palmdale, CA?
Los Angeles and Palmdale have similar restriction levels.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
California Civil Code §1950.5, amended by AB-12 effective July 2024, caps residential security deposits at one month's rent for most landlords. Los Angeles follows state law without adding a local cap or registration requirement.
View full Los Angeles rules →Palmdale, CA
Los Angeles County
California Civil Code §1950.5, amended by AB-12 effective July 2024, caps residential security deposits at one month's rent statewide. Los Angeles County does not add a local cap; state law controls in both incorporated and unincorporated areas.
View full Palmdale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Los Angeles | Palmdale |
|---|---|---|
| Code | Cal. Civ. Code §1950.5 | Cal. Civ. Code §1950.5 |
| Cap | One month's rent | One month's rent |
| Effective | July 1, 2024 (AB-12) | July 1, 2024 (AB-12) |
| Return deadline | 21 days after move-out | 21 days after move-out |
| Bad-faith penalty | Up to twice deposit amount | Up to twice deposit amount |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Los Angeles FAQ
Can a Los Angeles landlord ask for last month's rent on top?
The combined total of any deposit plus advance rent beyond the first month is treated as a security deposit and is capped at one month's rent under Civil Code §1950.5.
Does the small-landlord exception apply in LA?
Yes. Owners of no more than two properties totaling four or fewer units may charge up to two months, except when renting to active-duty service members.
Palmdale FAQ
Can a landlord ask for last month's rent on top?
The combined total of any deposit plus advance rent beyond the first month is treated as a security deposit and capped at one month's rent under Civil Code §1950.5.
Where do I file a deposit dispute in unincorporated LA County?
DCBA's rent stabilization unit will mediate informally for unincorporated tenants. Final enforcement still requires small claims court, where statutory damages are available.
Compare other topics
See how Los Angeles and Palmdale 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