Anaheim, CA Rental Property Rules: Security Deposit Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Statute
- Civil Code 1950.5
- Cap
- 1 month rent (most)
- Return window
- 21 days
- Bad-faith damages
- Up to 2x deposit
Summary
California Civil Code Section 1950.5 caps Anaheim residential security deposits and governs itemization, return timelines, and tenant remedies; Anaheim has no local rule that varies the statewide maximum or refund process.
1950.5. (a) This section applies to security for a rental agreement for residential property that is used as the dwelling of the tenant. (b) As used in this section, “security” means any payment, fee, deposit, or charge, including, but not limited to, any payment, fee, deposit, or charge, except as provided in Section 1950.6, that is imposed at the beginning of the tenancy to be used to reimburse the landlord for costs associated with processing a new tenant or that is imposed as an advance payment of rent, used or to be used for any purpose, including, but not limited to, any of the following: (1) The compensation of a landlord for a tenant’s default in the payment of rent. (2) The repair of damages to the premises, exclusive of ordinary wear and tear, caused by the tenant or by a guest or licensee of the tenant. (3) The cleaning of the premises upon termination of the tenancy necessary to return the unit to the same level of cleanliness it was in at the inception of the tenancy. [...] (4) To remedy future defaults by the tenant in any obligation under the rental agreement to restore, replace, or return personal property or appurtenances, exclusive of ordinary wear and tear.
Full Breakdown
California Civil Code Section 1950.5 controls residential security deposits in Anaheim. Recent statewide reform caps deposits at one month's rent for most residential tenancies, with limited exceptions for small landlords. Landlords must return the deposit, less itemized lawful deductions for unpaid rent and reasonable cleaning or repair, within twenty-one calendar days of move-out. Tenants who request a pre-move-out inspection have a right to cure deficiencies. Bad-faith withholding can support up to twice the deposit in statutory damages. Anaheim does not impose a local deposit registry or escrow rule beyond the state statute, so AB 12 and Civil Code 1950.5 control.
Violations & Fines
Withholding a security deposit beyond twenty-one days without itemization or in bad faith violates Civil Code 1950.5 and exposes landlords to up to twice the deposit in damages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does my Anaheim landlord have to return my deposit?
Can my landlord charge me for normal wear and tear?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Anaheim
California rules heatmap·Compare Anaheim to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
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