California AB 12 caps security deposits at one month's rent for nearly all Orange County residential tenancies starting July 2024, regardless of furnished or unfurnished status. Small mom-and-pop landlords retain a limited two-month exception.
AB 12 amended Civil Code 1950.5 to cap residential security deposits at one month's rent for both furnished and unfurnished units, replacing the prior two/three-month framework. The change applies countywide in Orange County. A narrow exception lets landlords who own no more than two residential properties (with up to four total units) collect up to two months. Deposits must be returned within twenty-one days of move-out with itemized deductions. Service members are protected by additional federal limits. Pre-AB-12 deposits remain valid but cannot be increased above the new cap.
Collecting more than one month's deposit, failing to return within twenty-one days, omitting itemized deductions, or withholding for ordinary wear can trigger statutory penalties, restitution, and small-claims awards.
Orange County, CA
Unincorporated Orange County exempts one small detached non-habitable accessory structure - a shed - per 7,200 square feet of building site area from accesso...
Orange County, CA
Carports in unincorporated Orange County are governed by Section 7-9-70.3(d) of the Codified Ordinances, which requires carports to comply with main-building...
Orange County, CA
Unincorporated Orange County allows the conversion of an existing garage, carport, or accessory structure into an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) under Section...
Orange County, CA
Unincorporated Orange County requires every pool/spa deeper than 18 inches to be enclosed by a barrier at least 60 inches (5 ft) high under California Health...
Orange County, CA
Unincorporated Orange County allows ADUs on any residentially zoned lot under OC Zoning Code (Title 7, Division 9) and California Government Code §65852.2 (A...
Orange County, CA
Orange County does not levy a general gross-receipts business tax in unincorporated areas; businesses obtain a county business license tied to zoning, while ...
See how Orange County'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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.