Security Deposit Rules: Riverside vs Temecula
How do security deposit rules rules compare between Riverside, CA and Temecula, CA?
Riverside and Temecula have similar restriction levels.
Riverside, CA
Riverside County
California law caps security deposits and requires Riverside landlords to return deposits within twenty-one days of move-out with itemized statements for any deductions, following AB 12 reductions to one-month rent.
View full Riverside rules →Temecula, CA
Riverside County
California AB 12, effective July 2024, caps residential security deposits at one month of rent for most Riverside County landlords. Small landlords owning two or fewer properties may collect up to two months on unfurnished units.
View full Temecula rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Riverside | Temecula |
|---|---|---|
| Cap | One month rent (AB 12) | - |
| Return window | 21 days after move-out | - |
| Receipts required | Deductions over $125 | - |
| Bad-faith damages | Up to 2x deposit | - |
| Standard cap | - | One month |
| Small-landlord cap | - | Two months |
| Itemization deadline | - | Twenty-one days |
| Authority | - | Civil Code 1950.5 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Riverside FAQ
Can a Riverside landlord charge two months as deposit?
No. Since July 2024, California caps deposits at one month's rent for most units, with a narrow small-landlord exception for owners holding two or fewer rentals.
What if my deposit is not returned in 21 days?
You can sue in small-claims court for the deposit plus up to twice the amount as bad-faith damages, plus actual damages caused by the landlord's withholding.
Temecula FAQ
Do I qualify for the small-landlord exemption?
Only if you own two or fewer residential rental properties totaling four or fewer units, and you hold title personally or in a revocable trust. Corporate or LLC ownership disqualifies the exemption.
Can the landlord charge a separate pet deposit?
Any pet deposit counts toward the overall one-month or two-month cap. California does not allow separate non-refundable pet fees in residential leases beyond that statutory limit.
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