California Civil Code 1950.5 (amended by AB 12) caps residential security deposits at one month's rent for most landlords starting July 2024 and requires itemized return within 21 days of move-out, applicable in Santa Ana.
Under California Civil Code 1950.5 as amended by AB 12, most residential landlords statewide may collect no more than one month of rent as security deposit, regardless of furnishing status. A small-landlord exception allows up to two months for owners of two or fewer properties with four or fewer units. Landlords must return deposits within 21 calendar days of move-out, accompanied by an itemized statement of any deductions and copies of receipts for repairs over $125. Santa Ana tenants may pursue statutory damages for bad-faith withholding.
Charging more than the statutory deposit cap, missing the 21-day return deadline, or failing to itemize deductions exposes landlords to refund claims plus statutory bad-faith damages.
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