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.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Compton, CA
Amplified music and sound devices are regulated in Compton under nuisance and disturbing-the-peace provisions. CA Penal Code 415 applies as a fallback for ex...
Compton, CA
California banned the sale of new gas-powered leaf blowers effective January 1, 2024. Existing gas blowers may still be used. Compton does not have a specifi...
Compton, CA
Industrial noise in Compton is regulated under nuisance code and LA County noise control standards. Industrial areas should not exceed 70 dB at any time. Cal...
Compton, CA
Compton adopts LA County animal regulations which discourage feeding of wildlife. CDFW regulations prohibit feeding of certain wildlife species. Attracting c...
Compton, CA
Beekeeping in Compton is regulated under general animal control provisions and California state law. Bee colonies must not constitute a public nuisance. Regi...
Compton, CA
Compton's zoning code (Chapter 30) and adopted LA County Animal Code regulate keeping chickens and livestock. Roosters are restricted. Keeping animals beyond...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle security deposit rules.
See how Compton's security deposit rules rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.