Is there a limit on how much the property manager/owner can charge for an application fee? If so, what is that amount?
California civil code states that property owners in the state cannot charge an application fee of more than $49.50, and the amount should not exceed the landlord’s actual out-of-pocket costs.
What is the security deposit amount the landlord can collect?
As a California landlord, you can request a security deposit of up to two month’s rent for an unfurnished apartment and three months’ rent for a furnished apartment to protect your property in the event of damages. An additional one-half month’s rent may be added if a waterbed is part of the furniture. If the tenant is an active service member, the maximum-security deposit is one month lower than the security deposit limit.
The lower maximum-security deposit will not apply if the tenant has a poor credit history, a history of causing damage to rental property, or is sharing the unit with a group of people that are not considered a direct spouse, partner, parent or dependent of the service member.
Is a California security deposit non-refundable?
The instances when a landlord can keep a tenant’s security deposit include when a tenant is terminating a month-to-month rental, or the rental has no fixed term, or when the landlord is terminating a lease with no fixed term.
Can the property manager/owner collect a fee for pets?
A pet deposit separate from the apartment security deposit is allowed in the state of California. Service pets are an exemption, and disabled persons with service pets do not have to pay an additional security deposit. However, if a service dog causes damages, the renter is still liable for covering the costs.
How does the security deposit need to be held?
There is no California law that regulates how a security deposit needs to be held by the landlord or property manager.
Is the property manager/owner required to tell the tenant where the deposit is held?
Property managers in California do not have to tell tenants where the security deposit is held.
Is the property manager/owner required to tell the tenant what the interest rate on the account is (if applicable)?
Property owners in California are not required to tell tenants what the interest on their security deposit is (if applicable).
What can the property manager/owner deduct from the security deposit?
Property owners in California may deduct unpaid monthly rent, cost of repairs and damages, cleaning costs or restoration costs detailed in the rental agreement from the total security deposit. Property owners cannot deduct the cost of repairs for pre-existing damages, normal wear and tear, or cumulative wear and tear.
How long does the property manager/owner have to return the security deposit after the lease has ended?
According to the state law of California, the security deposit remainder (after the security deposit deduction has been made, if applicable) must be returned to the renter within 21 days of vacating the property alongside an itemized list of deductions if any exist. The exceptions to this include when a renter is terminating a month-to-month rental, or the rental has no fixed term, or when the landlord is terminating a lease with no fixed term.
What penalties does the property manager/owner face if they do not return the security deposit on time?
Property owners in the state of California that do not provide itemized descriptions of the damages and repair costs to the tenant within 21 days, or whose repairs cannot be completed within the 21 days and do not provide documentation within 14 days after the work is completed, may be subject to legal action from the renter in Small Claims Court.
What is the process for the property manager/owner to claim the security deposit funds?
Property owners in California that want to claim security deposit funds must provide an itemized list of deductions to the renter in written format and deliver it personally or via first class mail and include prepaid postage. If the tenant did not provide a forwarding address, the property owner may address the itemized list to the address of the vacated unit. Property owners may also send the itemized list via email and choose to return the security deposit to the bank account they have on file.
Do California tenants have the right to a walk through inspection?
In California, landlords are able to conduct a walk through inspection on their rental property. This inspection is meant to identify any damages or repairs that need to be done to the rental unit before the tenant moves out, and the landlord can then deduct money from the security deposit if necessary. It is important for landlords and tenants to follow certain steps when conducting the inspection, such as giving written notice to the tenant with at least 48 hours notice before the inspection, and not conducting the inspection any sooner than two weeks before the end of the tenancy. It is also important for the landlord to provide the tenant with a list of any repairs that need to be done before the final inspection.
Is the resident allowed to apply their security deposit towards the last month’s rent?
Tenants in the state of California cannot choose to use the security deposit for their last months’ rent, unless the property owner agrees upon it in writing.
To summarize, California law has multiple regulations concerning security deposits. To ensure that they are not subject to legal action, property owners should always keep an accurate list of property damage incurred after doing an inspection, history of a tenant’s rental payments, and more. Property owners must be able to provide this information to vacating renters upon the termination of their lease.
Updates on California Security Deposit Law: Introducing AB 12
In a significant move to refine and strengthen the rights and responsibilities surrounding security deposits in California, AB 12 was inked into law in October 2023.
This update is crucial, so here’s a breakdown of the key changes coming into effect by July 2024:
- Interest-Bearing Accounts for Security Deposits: A notable change is the mandate for landlords to hold security deposits in interest-bearing accounts. This ensures that the tenant’s money is not just sitting idle. At the end of each year, the accrued interest will either be returned to the tenant or adjusted against their rent based on the mutual agreement.
- Yearly Interest Statement: Landlords must now offer tenants an annual statement detailing the interest earned on their security deposit to enhance transparency. This step ensures tenants are kept in the loop regarding their funds.
- Penalties for Delayed Returns: While the 21-day window for security deposit returns remains unaltered, the repercussions for breaching this period have been intensified. Landlords will incur an increased penalty every day the return is delayed beyond the 21-day mark, making timely returns more crucial than ever.
- Embracing the Digital Age: Recognizing the digital shift, AB 12 provisions now allow landlords to use electronic communication methods to deliver itemized statements and accompanying receipts. This, however, is contingent on the tenant’s consent to receive communications in this format.
- Facilitating Mediation for Disputes: Addressing the common friction point of deposit deductions, AB 12 introduces a structured mediation process. Should a tenant contest a deduction, they can now opt for mediation. Refusal of mediation by the landlord or failure to reach an agreement paves the way for legal proceedings. In such instances, landlords could potentially be responsible for additional damages and attorney fees.
Disclaimer & Sources:
Qira aims to keep this information as up-to-date as possible. The content provided here is informational and should not replace legal counsel. Please refer to the relevant government sources to check for any changes or updates to the law.
