Thousand Oaks, CA Rental Property Rules: Security Deposit Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard cap
- One month rent
- Small-landlord cap
- Two months rent
- Return deadline
- 21 days
- Receipt threshold
- $125 in repairs
Summary
California Civil Code 1950.5 caps Thousand Oaks residential security deposits at one month's rent for most rentals (effective July 2024). Landlords must return deposits within 21 days with itemized deductions or face statutory damages.
(c) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), (3), or (5), a landlord shall not demand or receive security, however denominated, in an amount or value in excess of an amount equal to one month's rent, in addition to any rent for the first month paid on or before initial occupancy. (2) This subdivision does not prohibit an advance payment of not less than six months' rent if the term of the lease is six months or longer. ... (5) (A) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a landlord shall not demand or receive security, however denominated, in an amount or value in excess of an amount equal to two months' rent, in addition to any rent for the first month paid on or before initial occupancy if the landlord meets both of the following requirements: (i) The landlord is a natural person or a limited liability company in which all members are natural persons. (ii) The landlord owns no more than two residential rental properties that collectively include no more than four dwelling units offered for rent. ... (h) (1) No later than 21 calendar days after the tenant has vacated the premises... the landlord shall furnish the tenant, a copy of an itemized statement indicating the basis for, and the amount of, any security received and the disposition of the security, and shall return any remaining portion of the security to the tenant.
Full Breakdown
AB 12 (2023) reduced the California security-deposit cap from two months (unfurnished) or three months (furnished) to a single uniform one-month cap for most rentals starting July 1, 2024. Small landlords (two or fewer properties, four or fewer units) may still charge up to two months' rent. Landlords must return the deposit within 21 days after move-out with an itemized statement of any deductions and supporting receipts for repairs over $125. Wrongful retention exposes the landlord to up to twice the deposit amount in statutory damages plus actual damages.
Violations & Fines
Charging deposits above the cap, failing to return within 21 days, or withholding without itemized receipts exposes landlords to twice-deposit statutory damages plus actual losses in small claims court.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum security deposit on a Thousand Oaks rental?
When must my landlord return the deposit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Thousand Oaks
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Security Deposit Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Ventura County handle security deposit rules.