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Riverside County, CA Rental Property Rules: Security Deposit Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

Verified 1 week ago|Source: California Legislative Information →

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Key Facts

Standard cap: One month
Small-landlord cap: Two months
Itemization deadline: Twenty-one days
Authority: Civil Code 1950.5

City-specific rules exist: Riverside has its own security deposit rules rules that differ from Riverside County's county-level regulations. If you live in Riverside, check the city-specific page instead.

Summary

California AB 12, effective July 2024, caps residential security deposits at one month of rent for most Riverside County landlords. Small landlords owning two or fewer properties may collect up to two months on unfurnished units.

Full Breakdown

Civil Code section 1950.5 governs deposits statewide. The pre-2024 rule allowed two months for unfurnished and three for furnished units, but AB 12 reduced the standard cap to a single month regardless of furnishing. Landlords with no more than two residential rental properties totaling no more than four units retain the higher two-month cap if they hold title in their personal name or through a revocable trust. Itemized deductions are required within twenty-one days of move-out, and tenants in Riverside County may sue for the deposit plus statutory damages of up to twice the deposit if the landlord acts in bad faith.

Violations & Fines

Withholding more than allowed exposes landlords to small-claims judgments for the full deposit plus up to two times the deposit as bad-faith damages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I qualify for the small-landlord exemption?

Only if you own two or fewer residential rental properties totaling four or fewer units, and you hold title personally or in a revocable trust. Corporate or LLC ownership disqualifies the exemption.

Can the landlord charge a separate pet deposit?

Any pet deposit counts toward the overall one-month or two-month cap. California does not allow separate non-refundable pet fees in residential leases beyond that statutory limit.

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Riverside County, CA Rental Property Rules: Security Deposit Rules (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

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