One last topic to be covered in this course is rental security deposits laws in California. The laws were recently updated for 2024. We will briefly cover the salient points of California Civil Code Section 1950.5.
Rental security deposit laws in California define security deposits as payments made by tenants to landlords at the start of a tenancy to cover potential damages or unpaid rent. The maximum amount a landlord can charge is two months’ rent for unfurnished properties and three months’ rent for furnished properties. There are limitations and exclusions. Landlords must return the deposit within 21 days after the tenant moves out, deducting only for unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, or other agreed-upon costs. They are required to provide an itemized statement of any deductions.
Topics Include:
Use of Security Deposits.
Tenant’s right to an inspection before move-out.