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.
Hanford, CA
Persistent barking or howling that disturbs neighbors violates Hanford's nuisance noise ordinance. Animal noise complaints are handled by the Hanford Police ...
Hanford, CA
Hanford regulates construction noise under HMC Chapter 9.10. While specific hour windows are not enumerated in publicly available code, construction noise th...
Hanford, CA
Hanford Municipal Code Chapter 9.10 (Loud or Annoying Noises) prohibits yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling, or singing in or near residential or noise-sen...
Hanford, CA
Vehicles parked on public streets for more than 72 hours or that are inoperable may be declared abandoned and towed at owner's expense. Inoperable vehicles s...
Hanford, CA
Hanford limits consecutive on-street parking to 72 hours. Vehicles parked beyond 72 hours without moving may be towed. General parking prohibitions include b...
Hanford, CA
Commercial vehicles over 5 tons gross weight may not park on streets or alleys in residential zones, except for active delivery or construction service on th...
See how Hanford'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.