Guides

California security deposit guides for landlords and renters

Plain-language guides to what California's deposit statute asks at move-in and move-out: the 21-day deadline, the AB 2801 photo rules (phased in April 1 and July 1, 2025) and the itemized statement for landlords, and a renter's guide to the record that makes those rights usable.

• For landlords

  California security deposit law in 2026: the AB 2801 guide for landlords

  What AB 2801 requires and when each part took effect, the $125 receipts rule, the pre-move-out inspection, what the penalty provision permits, and a turnover checklist.

  13 min read

• For landlords

  The 21-day security deposit deadline: a California landlord timeline

  How the 21 calendar days are counted, what to do on which day, what the itemized statement must contain, and what a late statement does and does not cost you.

  10 min read

• For renters

  The California renter's guide to security deposits: document your home from day one

  Your rights under California's deposit statute, and the record that makes them usable: move-in photos with dates, the pre-move-out inspection, the 21-day itemized statement, receipts, and how to answer a deduction you disagree with.

  12 min read

General legal information, not legal advice. Statutes change; verify with a licensed California attorney.