What is the maximum security deposit in California?

Under Civil Code Section 1950.5 as amended by AB 12 (effective July 2024), the security deposit cap for residential leases is 1 month's rent for most units (reduced from 2 months for unfurnished). Furnished units remain at 2 months. The landlord must return the deposit with an itemized statement within 21 days of move-out.

Can a California landlord enter without notice?

No. Under Civil Code Section 1954, a landlord must give at least 24 hours' advance written notice before entering, except in genuine emergencies. Entry must be at reasonable times. Clauses waiving this right or allowing entry without notice are unenforceable.

California Tenancy Law

California Lease Review — AI Analysis of Your Rental Agreement

Q: Does LeaseScan cover local rent control ordinances like LA or SF?

Yes. LeaseScan's California analysis includes checks against major local rent control ordinances including the Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO), San Francisco Rent Ordinance, San Jose Rent Ordinance, Oakland Just Cause Ordinance, and others. Select your city when running the analysis.

Upload your California lease or paste the text. LeaseScan checks every clause against AB 1482, Civil Code 1950.5, and applicable local rent control ordinances including LA, San Francisco, and San Jose.

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AB 1482 Rent Control Civil Code 1950.5 Just Cause Eviction LA, SF & Local Ordinances

Legal Context

What California Tenancy Law Says

California has some of the strongest tenant protections in the US. Here are the key statutes LeaseScan checks your lease against.

AB 1482 · 2019

Rent Control & Just Cause Eviction

AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act 2019) caps annual rent increases at 5% plus local CPI, with a maximum of 10%, for qualifying properties. It also requires "just cause" to terminate a tenancy once the tenant has occupied the unit for 12 months. Any clause purporting to waive these protections is unenforceable.

Civil Code §1946.2; Civil Code §1947.12

Civil Code §1950.5

Security Deposits (AB 12 — 2024)

As of July 1, 2024, AB 12 reduces the maximum security deposit to 1 month's rent for most residential units (down from 2 months for unfurnished). Furnished units remain at 2 months. The landlord must return the deposit with an itemised statement within 21 days of move-out or face a penalty of up to twice the deposit.

Civil Code §1950.5 (as amended by AB 12, effective 1 July 2024)

Civil Code §1954

Right of Entry — 24-Hour Notice

A landlord must provide at least 24 hours' advance written notice before entering a rental unit for non-emergency repairs, inspections, or showings. Entry must be during normal business hours unless agreed otherwise. Clauses allowing entry without notice, or reducing this to less than 24 hours, are unenforceable under California law.

Civil Code §1954(a),(d)

Civil Code §1941

Warranty of Habitability

California landlords are required by law to maintain rental units in a habitable condition, including effective waterproofing, working plumbing and heating, and freedom from vermin. Any clause waiving the landlord's duty to repair or the tenant's right to a habitable unit is void and unenforceable under Civil Code §1942.1.

Civil Code §1941; Civil Code §1942.1

Sample Report

What a California Lease Analysis Looks Like

LeaseScan flags issues by severity — Critical (potential legal breach), Warning (unfair term), or Fair (within normal range).

Sample — California Lease Analysis

⚠ Critical

Clause 6.2 — Security Deposit (2 months)

"Tenant shall pay a security deposit equal to two (2) months' rent." As of July 1, 2024 (AB 12), the maximum security deposit for unfurnished residential units in California is 1 month's rent. This clause exceeds the statutory limit and the excess is unenforceable.

▲ Warning

Clause 11.4 — Landlord Entry with 12 Hours Notice

"Landlord may enter the premises upon providing 12 hours' written notice." California Civil Code §1954 requires a minimum of 24 hours' notice for non-emergency entry. This clause is below the statutory minimum and is unenforceable.

✓ Fair

Clause 3.1 — Annual Rent Increase (5%)

"Rent shall not increase by more than 5% per year, with 60 days' written notice." This is within the AB 1482 rent increase cap of 5% plus local CPI (maximum 10%) and the notice period meets California requirements. No issues identified.

Common Questions

California Lease FAQ

What California laws does LeaseScan check my lease against?

LeaseScan checks California leases against AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act 2019), Civil Code Section 1950.5 as amended by AB 12 (security deposits), Civil Code Section 1954 (landlord entry), Civil Code Section 1941 (habitability), and applicable local rent ordinances including the LA RSO, San Francisco Rent Ordinance, and San Jose Rent Ordinance.

What is AB 1482 and does my rental fall under it?

AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act 2019) limits annual rent increases to 5% plus local CPI (max 10%) and requires just cause for eviction. It applies to most multi-family buildings more than 15 years old, but exempts single-family homes (with proper notice), condos sold separately, and buildings built within the last 15 years. LeaseScan flags whether your lease appears to be subject to AB 1482.

What is the new California security deposit limit after AB 12?

Effective July 1, 2024, AB 12 reduced the maximum security deposit for unfurnished residential units to 1 month's rent (down from 2 months). Furnished units may still require up to 2 months. The landlord must return your deposit with an itemised statement within 21 days of move-out. LeaseScan flags any deposit clause that exceeds the current statutory limit.

Does LeaseScan cover San Francisco and LA local rent control?

Yes. LeaseScan's California analysis includes major local rent ordinances: the Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO), San Francisco Rent Ordinance (Chapter 37 of the SF Administrative Code), San Jose Rent Ordinance, Oakland Just Cause Ordinance, and others. You can select your city when running the analysis for more targeted results.

Is LeaseScan a substitute for a California real estate attorney?

No. LeaseScan is an informational tool that helps you understand your lease before signing. It is not legal advice. If a clause is flagged as Critical, we strongly recommend consulting a California-licensed real estate attorney or contacting a local tenant rights organization such as the California Tenants Union or Bay Area Legal Aid before signing.

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California Lease Review — AI Analysis of Your Rental Agreement

What California Tenancy Law Says

Rent Control & Just Cause Eviction

Security Deposits (AB 12 — 2024)

Right of Entry — 24-Hour Notice

Warranty of Habitability

What a California Lease Analysis Looks Like

California Lease FAQ

Ready to check your California lease?

Related California Guides

California Tenant Rights — What Your Lease Must Include by Law

AB 1482 Explained — California Rent Control & Just Cause Eviction

Security Deposit Laws by State — How California Compares