Redding, CA Rental Property Rules: Security Deposit Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard Cap
- 1 month rent
- Small-Landlord Cap
- 2 months (2 props/4 units max)
- Return Window
- 21 days
- Receipt Threshold
- Required >$125 deductions
- Statute
- Civil Code §1950.5 (AB 12)
Summary
Security deposits on Redding residential rentals are capped at one month's rent under California AB 12, effective July 1, 2024, codified at Civil Code §1950.5(c). Small landlords owning two or fewer properties with no more than four total units may charge up to two months' rent. Deposits must be returned within 21 days of move-out with an itemized statement of deductions.
1950.5. (a) This section applies to security for a rental agreement for residential property that is used as the dwelling of the tenant. (b) As used in this section, "security" means any payment, fee, deposit, or charge... that is imposed at the beginning of the tenancy to be used to reimburse the landlord for costs associated with processing a new tenant or that is imposed as an advance payment of rent, used or to be used for any purpose, including, but not limited to, any of the following: (1) The compensation of a landlord for a tenant's default in the payment of rent. (2) The repair of damages to the premises, exclusive of ordinary wear and tear, caused by the tenant or by a guest or licensee of the tenant. (3) The cleaning of the premises upon termination of the tenancy...
Full Breakdown
5 to cap residential security deposits at one month's rent, whether the unit is furnished or unfurnished, for the vast majority of Redding rentals. A narrow small-landlord exception preserves the historical two-month cap (or three months furnished) for natural-person landlords (including LLCs whose members are all natural persons) who own no more than two residential rental properties and a combined total of no more than four units. 5(b)(1), who remain at the one-month cap regardless. Deposits are still strictly limited to security against unpaid rent, repair of damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, cleaning to restore the unit to its move-in condition, and replacement of personal property as authorized by the lease.
5(g), the landlord must return the deposit (or itemized accounting plus remaining balance) within 21 calendar days of the tenant vacating. For deductions over $125, the landlord must provide copies of receipts or invoices, unless the tenant waives that requirement in writing. 5 governs entirely.
Violations & Fines
A Redding landlord who fails to return the deposit, charges an unlawful amount, or makes bad-faith deductions may be liable to the tenant for the wrongfully withheld amount plus statutory damages up to twice the amount of the deposit under Civil Code §1950.5(l). Small-claims jurisdiction in Shasta County Superior Court reaches up to $12,500. Pattern violations may be referred to the California Attorney General under the Unfair Competition Law (B&P Code §17200).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much security deposit can a Redding landlord charge?
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Redding
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