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.
Under California Civil Code §1950.5 as amended by AB-12, residential security deposits are capped at one month's rent regardless of whether the unit is furnished. A narrow small-landlord exception lets owners of two or fewer properties with four or fewer total units charge up to two months, but only if the tenant is not an active-duty service member. Landlords must return the deposit within 21 days of move-out with an itemized statement of any deductions. Allowable deductions cover unpaid rent, cleaning to the level at move-in, and tenant-caused damage beyond ordinary wear. LA County does not preempt or expand these state rules; DCBA mediates disputes for unincorporated tenants.
Wrongfully withholding a deposit exposes a landlord to statutory damages of up to twice the deposit amount in addition to the wrongfully retained sum, recoverable in small claims court.
Burbank, CA
Burbank adopted a Tenant Protection Ordinance (No. 24-4,014) effective August 31, 2024. Requires just cause for evictions per CA Civil Code 1946.2. No-fault ...
Burbank, CA
Burbank does not have a local rent control ordinance. State law AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act) applies, capping rent increases at 5% + CPI or 10%, whichever...
See how Burbank's security deposit rules rules stack up against other locations.
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