State rules
California Security Deposit Rules
Landlord obligations under Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5
Deposit limit
1 month's rent
1 month's rent (2 months for qualifying small landlords)
How the deposit limit varies
| Scenario | Maximum deposit | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Default | 1 month's rent | — |
| Qualifying small landlord | 2 months' rent | natural person, or an LLC whose members are all natural persons, owning no more than 2 residential rental properties totaling no more than 4 units (§1950.5(c)(5)(A)) |
- A service member tenant is always subject to the 1-month cap regardless of landlord size (§1950.5(c)(5)(B)).
- The 2-month small-landlord tier also extends to qualifying family trusts (§1950.5(c)(5)(C)).
- The cap applies to security demanded or collected on or after July 1, 2024 (AB 12, Ch. 733, Stats. 2023). Later amendments — SB 611 (2024), AB 2801 (2024), AB 414 (Ch. 340, 2025, eff. 2026-01-01) — changed disclosure/return mechanics only, not the cap amounts.
Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(c) (tiered: AB 12, Ch. 733 (2023), eff. 2024-07-01), for the figures shown above. This tool is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a California attorney for specific guidance.
Deposit limit verified against Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(c) (tiered: AB 12, Ch. 733 (2023), eff. 2024-07-01) as of Jul 24, 2026.