California Civil Code §1950.5, amended by AB-12 effective July 2024, caps residential security deposits at one month's rent statewide. San Diego follows state law without adding a local cap or registration requirement.
Under 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 allows owners of two or fewer properties with four or fewer total units to charge up to two months, except when the tenant is an active-duty service member. Landlords must return the deposit within 21 days of move-out together with an itemized statement of deductions. Allowable deductions cover unpaid rent, cleaning to the move-in level, and tenant-caused damage beyond ordinary wear. San Diego has not enacted local rules expanding or contracting this state cap.
Bad-faith withholding can trigger statutory damages up to twice the deposit amount plus the retained sum, recoverable in small claims court. Landlords also forfeit defenses if no itemization is provided within 21 days.
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See how San Diego's security deposit rules rules stack up against other locations.
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