Security deposit return law in California

In California, a landlord must return the security deposit within 21 days (Cal. Civ. Code 1950.5). Exactly when that clock starts, and what has to go back with the money, is where states differ most, so the rest of this page stays close to the statute's own words rather than a generic summary.

When the clock starts, and what goes with the money

Within 21 calendar days of the tenant vacating, the landlord must furnish an itemized statement plus the refund. Copies of bills, invoices, or receipts must accompany the statement for repair or cleaning deductions (with hourly-rate detail if the landlord or their employee did the work), except when repairs and cleaning together are $125 or less. If work cannot be finished in 21 days, a good-faith estimate is allowed, with final documentation due within 14 days of completing the repair. The tenant may request an initial move-out inspection with an opportunity to cure (Civ. Code 1950.5).

How much you can collect

California caps the security deposit at one month's rent (Cal. Civ. Code 1950.5). The conditions attached to that cap matter as much as the number:

One month's rent regardless of whether the unit is furnished, since July 1, 2024 (AB 12). Exception: a landlord who is a natural person (or an LLC of natural persons) owning no more than two residential rental properties with no more than four units total may collect up to two months' rent, but not from a tenant who is a service member. 'Security' is defined broadly, so pet deposits and similar refundable charges count against the cap.

What it costs to get this wrong

Bad-faith claim or retention exposes the landlord to statutory damages of up to twice the amount of the security, in addition to actual damages (Civ. Code 1950.5).

If your city or county is different

No statewide interest or escrow requirement, but some rent-controlled California cities require interest on deposits under local ordinance; check the city before publishing a no-interest claim for a specific market.

Common questions

How long does a California landlord have to return a security deposit?

21 days, under Cal. Civ. Code 1950.5. When that clock starts, and what has to accompany the money, is set out in the statute: Within 21 calendar days of the tenant vacating, the landlord must furnish an itemized statement plus the refund. Copies of bills, invoices, or receipts must accompany the statement for repair or cleaning deductions (with hourly-rate detail if the landlord or their employee did the work), except when repairs and cleaning together are $125 or less. If work cannot be finished in 21 days, a good-faith estimate is allowed, with final documentation due within 14 days of completing the repair. The tenant may request an initial move-out inspection with an opportunity to cure (Civ. Code 1950.5).

Does California cap the security deposit?

Yes, one month's rent. One month's rent regardless of whether the unit is furnished, since July 1, 2024 (AB 12). Exception: a landlord who is a natural person (or an LLC of natural persons) owning no more than two residential rental properties with no more than four units total may collect up to two months' rent, but not from a tenant who is a service member. 'Security' is defined broadly, so pet deposits and similar refundable charges count against the cap.

What happens if a California landlord misses the deadline or withholds wrongly?

Bad-faith claim or retention exposes the landlord to statutory damages of up to twice the amount of the security, in addition to actual damages (Civ. Code 1950.5).

Do any California cities add their own deposit rules?

The deposit paperwork is the part that gets lost. PropManager keeps the deposit on the lease, the move-out itemization with the tenant's file, and the refund in the ledger, so the record exists before a dispute does.

Sources

Cal. Civ. Code 1950.5. Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=1950.5. Verified 2026-08-06.

General information, not legal advice. Check your own lease and any city or county ordinance before you rely on it.