Palmdale vs Santa Monica
How do security deposit rules rules compare between Palmdale, CA and Santa Monica, CA?
Palmdale and Santa Monica have similar restriction levels.
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 →Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Palmdale | Santa Monica |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
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.
Santa Monica 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.
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