Bakersfield landlords must follow California Civil Code 1950.5 on security deposits. As of 2024, residential deposits are capped at one month's rent for most landlords regardless of furnished status.
Bakersfield does not impose a local deposit ordinance, so California Civil Code 1950.5 controls. Effective July 2024, residential landlords are limited to a security deposit equal to one month's rent for both furnished and unfurnished units. A small-landlord exception allows up to two months for individual owners with two or fewer rental properties totaling no more than four units. Landlords must return the deposit, with an itemized statement of any deductions, within 21 calendar days after the tenant vacates. Deductions may cover unpaid rent, repair of damage beyond ordinary wear, and reasonable cleaning to return the unit to its move-in condition.
Demanding more than the statutory cap, withholding without an itemized statement, or returning late beyond 21 days can result in actual damages, statutory penalties, and bad-faith awards up to twice the deposit.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield Municipal Code 6.04.230 prohibits keeping any animal, bird, or fowl that by sound or cry unreasonably disturbs the peace or interferes with the c...
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield Municipal Code Chapter 9.22 prohibits any loud, unnecessary noise that disturbs the peace or quiet of any neighborhood, or that causes discomfort...
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield does not generally ban overnight street parking, but BMC 10.40.010 makes it unlawful for any vehicle (operable or not) to remain parked on a publ...
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield does not restrict year-round lawn ornaments (statues, gnomes, flamingos, religious figures, sports themes) on residential property. There is no p...
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield does not regulate residential inflatable holiday displays by size, lighting, or motor noise. They qualify as seasonal decorations exempt under BM...
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield's outdoor lighting standards exempt seasonal decorations as long as they are not in use for more than 60 consecutive days. Residential lots zoned...
See how Bakersfield's security deposit rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.