{"id":371839,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:32","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/california-law\/california-security-deposit-limits.html"},"modified":"2017-10-06T17:09:18","modified_gmt":"2017-10-06T22:09:18","slug":"california-security-deposit-limits","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/california-law\/california-security-deposit-limits.html","title":{"rendered":"California Security Deposit Limits"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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California Security Deposit Limits<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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Almost all landlords require a security deposit<\/a> before a tenant moves in. The deposit is returned to the tenant when the lease ends, minus any amount needed for repairs or other costs passed onto the landlord.<\/p>\n

In California’s rental market, some questions come up often: How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit? Is there a limit<\/a>?<\/p>\n

No matter what terms the landlord<\/a> uses: "cleaning fee," "last month’s rent," "key deposit,"or "pet deposit," it’s all the same thing. There is a limit to the amount a landlord can charge you to move in. Let’s explore a few highlights of California’s security deposit limits and related laws<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Is there a Security Deposit Limit in California?<\/h2>\n

Yes, there is a maximum amount of money a landlord can charge a tenant for a security deposit. In California, it’s based on whether the unit is furnished. For unfurnished units, the landlord can’t charge more than two months’ worth of rent. For furnished rentals, the landlord can charge up to three month’s rent for the security deposit. This is in addition to the first month’s rent.<\/p>\n

Can any part of the deposit be deemed "nonrefundable?"<\/h2>\n

Not in California. Nonrefundable deposits are against the law. This usually comes up in the context of "pet deposits." The landlord can<\/b> require you to pay extra for your animal, but only within the limits we just discussed and the pet fee can’t ever be nonrefundable.<\/p>\n

When I Move Out, What Can the Landlord Withhold from My Security Deposit?<\/h2>\n

In California, the landlord can without all or part of your security deposit for the following reasons:<\/p>\n