Free Tool
California Security Deposit Calculator
Check if your security deposit complies with California law. Maximum: 1x rent. 21-day return deadline.
Your Deposit
$1,800.00
California Maximum
$1,800.00 (1x rent)
Return Deadline
21 calendar days after move-out
California Security Deposit Rules
Deposit Limits
- Maximum allowed
- 1x rent
- At $1,800.00/mo
- $1,800.00
- Pet deposit
- Not allowed separately
Return & Holding
- Return deadline
- 21 calendar days
- Escrow required
- No
- Interest required
- No
- Itemized statement
- Required
Statute: Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5
As of Jul 2024: max 1x rent (was 2x unfurnished). No separate pet deposit. 21 days to return with itemized statement.
Laws change quietly. California cut its deposit cap to one month in 2024, New York in 2019. Get an email when California changes its rules — and what to update in your lease.
Landlord Law Watch — $29/yr →View all states or try the late fee calculator.
Get your state’s full deposit rules in your inbox
Deposit limits, return deadlines, interest rules, and the mistakes that cost landlords their deposit in court. Plus early access to Tenby.
This free tool is brought to you by Tenby — AI-powered property management for independent landlords. No sign-up required.
Try Tenby Free