California Civil Code §1950.5, amended by AB-12 effective July 2024, caps residential security deposits at one month's rent for most landlords. Los Angeles follows state law without adding a local cap or registration requirement.
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 a 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. Los Angeles does not preempt or expand these state rules.
Wrongfully withholding a deposit can trigger statutory damages of up to twice the deposit amount in addition to the wrongfully retained sum, recoverable in small claims court.
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See how Los Angeles's security deposit rules rules stack up against other locations.
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