As of July 1, 2024, California landlords may collect no more than one month's rent as a security deposit, regardless of whether the unit is furnished. The deposit, minus any lawful deductions, must be returned with an itemized statement within 21 days after move-out, or the landlord risks penalties of up to twice the deposit.
Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5, a landlord 'shall not demand or receive security... in excess of an amount equal to one month's rent,' on top of first month's rent, for both furnished and unfurnished units. A narrow exception lets a small landlord — a natural person (or LLC of natural persons) owning no more than two residential properties totaling four or fewer units — charge up to two months' rent. The deposit may be applied only to unpaid rent, cleaning the unit to its move-in condition, and repairing tenant-caused damage 'exclusive of ordinary wear and tear.' Within 21 calendar days of the tenant vacating, the landlord must return the balance with an itemized statement; receipts must be attached when repair and cleaning deductions exceed $125.
Per Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(l), the bad-faith claim or retention of a deposit may subject the landlord to statutory damages of up to twice the amount of the security deposit, in addition to actual damages. Tenants typically pursue these claims in small claims court.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Santa Rosa, CA
Santa Rosa addresses barking dogs under its animal control and nuisance provisions. Persistent barking that disturbs neighbors is considered a public nuisanc...
Santa Rosa, CA
Santa Rosa regulates noise under City Code Chapter 17-16. Unreasonable noise that disturbs the peace of residential neighborhoods is prohibited, with stricte...
Santa Rosa, CA
Santa Rosa City Code Chapter 11-44 authorizes the City to designate residential permit-parking districts where nonresidents are restricted from long-term str...
Santa Rosa, CA
Santa Rosa has no city-wide ordinance banning overnight street parking on residential streets. The 72-hour limit and posted time-limited zones apply. The Cit...
Santa Rosa, CA
Santa Rosa City Code Chapter 11-28 prohibits parking any commercial vehicle, truck, or trailer over 10,000 pounds GVWR on any street within a residence or bu...
Santa Rosa, CA
Santa Rosa City Code prohibits parking any vehicle on a public street or alley for more than 72 consecutive hours. Vehicles must be in running condition and ...
See how Santa Rosa's security deposit rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.