How Much Security Deposit Can a California Landlord Collect?
By JC Pacific Corp Published 2026-09-01 Last professionally reviewed: September 2026
For most California residential rentals, the total security depositis limited to one month's rent, whether the unit is furnished or unfurnished. A narrow exception may allow certain qualifying small landlords to collect up to two months' rent.
What is included in the limit?
The law generally treats refundable amounts serving as security as part of one combined deposit, regardless of labels such as:
- Security deposit
- Pet deposit
- Cleaning deposit
- Damage deposit
- Key deposit
- Move-in deposit
What is the small-landlord exception?
Renaming a deposit does not avoid the statutory limit.
Can a landlord charge the last month's rent in advance?
Current law provides a limited exception for certain landlords who are natural persons or qualifying LLCsand own no more than two residential rental properties comprising no more than four total dwelling units offered for rent. Additional restrictions apply, including limitations involving service-member tenants. Verify current eligibility before relying on the exception.
Amounts imposed as security may count toward the legal cap, even if given another name. Obtain legal advice before collecting prepaid amounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can furnished rentals require a larger deposit?
The general one-month limit applies regardless of whether the unit is furnished.
Can the landlord charge a separate pet deposit?
It may be charged, but it generally counts toward the total security-deposit limit.
Can a deposit be nonrefundable?
A residential security depositis generally refundable, less lawful deductions.
Educational information
This content is for general educational purposesand is not legal, tax, financial, investment, insurance, property-management, or fair-housing advice. California landlord-tenant law is highly fact-specificand changes frequently. Citiesand counties may impose additional rent-control, eviction, relocation, registration, inspection, notice,and tenant-protection requirements. Landlordsand tenants should consult a qualified California attorney or other appropriately licensed professional regarding a specific property or dispute. Housing providers must comply with federal, California,and applicable local fair-housing laws. Nothing in these articles should be used to discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, familial status, disability, source of income, veteran or military status, citizenship, immigration status, primary language, or any other protected characteristic.
Calculate every required move-in amount together before collecting funds.
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A note on legal advice: These guides provide general, educational information about California real estate practice. They are not legal advice and do not create an attorney-client relationship. Mortgage information is general education, not individualized lending, tax or legal guidance. For advice about your specific offer, contract, closing or financing, consult a qualified California real estate attorney and a qualified mortgage professional.