As of July 1, 2024, California landlords may collect no more than one month's rent as a security deposit, regardless of whether the unit is furnished. The deposit, minus any lawful deductions, must be returned with an itemized statement within 21 days after move-out, or the landlord risks penalties of up to twice the deposit.
Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5, a landlord 'shall not demand or receive security... in excess of an amount equal to one month's rent,' on top of first month's rent, for both furnished and unfurnished units. A narrow exception lets a small landlord — a natural person (or LLC of natural persons) owning no more than two residential properties totaling four or fewer units — charge up to two months' rent. The deposit may be applied only to unpaid rent, cleaning the unit to its move-in condition, and repairing tenant-caused damage 'exclusive of ordinary wear and tear.' Within 21 calendar days of the tenant vacating, the landlord must return the balance with an itemized statement; receipts must be attached when repair and cleaning deductions exceed $125.
Per Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(l), the bad-faith claim or retention of a deposit may subject the landlord to statutory damages of up to twice the amount of the security deposit, in addition to actual damages. Tenants typically pursue these claims in small claims court.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Delano, CA
Delano has not adopted a specific leaf-blower ordinance. Use of gas-powered leaf blowers is regulated through the 65 dB(A) CNEL noise standard (DC §20.10.180...
Delano, CA
Delano Development Code §20.10.90.2.b requires walls for screening commercial and industrial activities and for sound attenuation as a condition of approval ...
Delano, CA
Outdoor burning of agricultural and yard waste in Delano is regulated by SJVAPCD Rule 4103 (Open Burning), which requires permits and prohibits burning on de...
Delano, CA
Many Kern County cities maintain a juvenile (under-18) curfew under state authority (Cal. Welfare & Institutions Code §625.5). Delano follows this general pa...
Delano, CA
Delano's Central Valley climate means snow on sidewalks is essentially nonexistent. Sidewalk obstruction by vegetation, debris, or merchandise is addressed u...
Delano, CA
Patio covers and carports attached to a residence may extend into a required rear or interior side yard under Delano Development Code §20.10.30.1.b, subject ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Kern County.
See how Delano'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.