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.
Escondido, CA
Escondido prohibits amplified sound that disturbs neighbors under EMC Section 17-227(k). Sound devices audible beyond 50 feet between 10 PM and 8 AM are a pr...
Escondido, CA
Escondido regulates barking dogs under the general noise ordinance. Frequent or long-continued animal noise causing annoyance is unlawful. Complaints investi...
Escondido, CA
Escondido industrial noise limits: 70 dBA daytime / 65 dBA nighttime at industrial property lines, 60/55 dBA at residential receptors. Stationary noise sourc...
Escondido, CA
Outdoor amplified music in Escondido is limited to 55 dBA (day) and 45 dBA (night) at residential property lines. Events over these limits require a special ...
Escondido, CA
Escondido tows vehicles parked on public streets over 72 hours under CA Vehicle Code §22651(k). Vehicles on private property without plates/registration also...
Escondido, CA
Escondido prohibits RV parking on public streets except for 48 hours before/after a trip within 100 yards of the registered address. On-property RVs must be ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Diego County.
See how Escondido'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.