Understand your legal rights under California tenancy laws (AB 12 & Civil Code § 1950.5), including statutory maximum deposits, 21-day refund deadlines, and improper deduction defenses.
This calculator is based on statutory requirements under California Civil Code § 1950.5 and AB 12. All calculations are performed entirely in your browser without transmitting any personal data.
Enter your monthly rent to immediately check the maximum legal security deposit a landlord can demand under California law.
Standard AB 12 Limit (Max 1 Month's Rent): Effective July 1, 2024, California law prohibits residential landlords from demanding more than 1 month's rent as a security deposit, regardless of whether the unit is furnished or unfurnished. Demanding 2-3 months is illegal.
Select your move-out date to calculate your 21-day statutory refund deadline and recommended pre-inspection dates.
Request an initial inspection 2 weeks before move-out. The landlord must provide an itemized written list of repairs, allowing you to fix issues yourself.
Return keys and provide your new mailing address in writing so the landlord can mail your refund check and statement.
The landlord must deliver your full refund or an itemized statement with actual receipts/invoices for any deductions exceeding $125.
If unreturned, send a formal demand letter. Landlords who withhold deposits in bad faith face statutory damages of up to twice the deposit amount.
Learn the clear distinction between tenant-caused damage and ordinary wear & tear that landlords must absorb.
Natural deterioration that occurs over time through normal, everyday living. Landlords cannot charge tenants for these repairs.
Damage caused by negligence, accident, or misuse. Landlords may deduct reasonable actual repair costs.
Look up the full expansions and plain-language definitions of key abbreviations and legal terms used throughout our California guides.
California state law effective July 1, 2024, capping residential tenancy security deposits at a maximum of 1 month's rent (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5).
California state agency regulating real estate licensing, transactions, and consumer protections for tenants and homebuyers.
Deterioration that occurs naturally from regular, ordinary occupancy (e.g., minor nail holes, faded paint), which landlords cannot lawfully deduct from security deposits.