Landlord-Tenant Law

	Overview		Leases		Eviction		Security Deposit

Landlords routinely require a Security Deposit to be posted as a condition of the rental agreement. In California, for residential tenancies, a Landlord may charge up to two times the monthly rent for unfurnished and up to three times the rent for furnished rental units.

The deposit is held until the Tenant moves out. The money is then supposed to be refunded within 21 days of moving out, less deductions for rent owing and charges for cleaning or repairing damages caused by excessive wear and tear. The deposit generally transfers to successive owners. A non-refundable deposit is not allowed. Thus, it is refundable no matter what the contract says.