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.
Compton, CA
Compton does not have its own just cause eviction ordinance. State law AB 1482 (CA Civil Code 1946.2) provides just cause eviction protections for tenants in...
Compton, CA
Compton does not have its own rent control ordinance. State law AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act) caps annual rent increases at 5% plus local CPI or 10%, which...
See how Compton's security deposit rules rules stack up against other locations.
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