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.
Inglewood, CA
Inglewood has a local rent control ordinance (IMC Chapter 8, Articles 9 and 10). Covered multi-unit buildings: increases limited to greater of 3% or CPI in 1...
Inglewood, CA
After 12 months of continuous occupancy, landlords can only terminate covered tenancies for just cause under IMC Article 8-9. No-fault evictions require relo...
See how Inglewood's security deposit rules rules stack up against other locations.
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