Practice & ContractsQuestion 120 of 120

For an unfurnished residential rental in California, the security deposit a landlord may collect is limited by statute. A landlord may NOT:

a.Charge first month's rent
b.Require a written lease
c.Collect a cleaning fee at move-out for actual cleaning
d.Charge a nonrefundable security deposit

Explanation

California prohibits nonrefundable security deposits; all deposits must be refundable, subject to lawful deductions for unpaid rent and damages beyond normal wear. Statutory limits cap the total deposit amount. The landlord must return the deposit or an itemized accounting within a set period after move-out.

Law Reference: CA Civil Code

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