Santa Cruz Municipal Code Ch. 21.02 (Security Deposits for Residential Rental Property) sets local rules supplementing California Civil Code §1950.5 governing residential security deposits.
California Civil Code §1950.5 caps security deposits at one month's rent for unfurnished or furnished units (effective July 1, 2024 per AB 12). Returns must be made within 21 days with an itemized statement of any deductions. Itemized receipts are required for deductions over $125 in aggregate. Local Ch. 21.02 supplements these state rules but cannot reduce protections.
Civil Code §1950.5(l) authorizes actual damages plus statutory damages up to two times the deposit amount for bad-faith retention.
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