Security Deposit Limit Calculator
AB 12 lowered the standard cap to 1 month's rent in 2024. Many pages still cite the old limits of 2 or 3 months' rent. This calculator uses the current one.
Since July 1, 2024, the standard maximum security deposit in California is 1 month's rent, whether the unit is furnished or unfurnished. A narrow small-landlord exception allows up to 2 months' rent for an individual (or an LLC whose members are all natural persons) who owns no more than 2 rental properties with no more than 4 units in total, unless the tenant is an active-duty servicemember.
Enter your monthly rent and landlord details to see the maximum legal deposit for your situation.
Security Deposit Limit Calculator
Maximum Legal Security Deposit
How this is calculated
The standard cap under AB 12 is 1 month's rent. The law no longer distinguishes furnished from unfurnished units.
The small-landlord exception raises the cap to 2 months' rent. It applies only when the landlord is a natural person (or an LLC whose members are all natural persons) who owns no more than 2 residential rental properties with no more than 4 units combined. The unit limit is a total across both properties, not a limit per property.
The exception does not apply if the tenant is an active-duty servicemember. That tenant's deposit is capped at 1 month's rent however small the landlord is. The law covers residential tenancies only, not commercial leases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum security deposit in California in 2026?
As of July 1, 2024 (AB 12), the standard maximum security deposit in California is one month's rent, for both furnished and unfurnished units. This replaced the old rule that allowed up to 2 months (unfurnished) or 3 months (furnished).
Can any landlord still charge 2 months' rent as a deposit?
Yes, a narrow exception: a landlord who is a natural person (or an LLC whose members are all natural persons) and who owns no more than 2 rental properties totaling no more than 4 units combined may still charge up to 2 months' rent as a deposit.
Does the small-landlord exception apply if my tenant is in the military?
No. If the tenant is an active-duty servicemember, the deposit is capped at one month's rent regardless of the landlord's size or the small-landlord exception.
Does AB 12 apply to existing leases signed before July 1, 2024?
AB 12 mainly governs new tenancies and deposits collected on or after July 1, 2024. It generally doesn't require a landlord to refund part of a deposit that was properly collected under the prior law before that date. Check current guidance or ask an attorney about your lease.
Is there still a security deposit limit for commercial leases?
No. AB 12 and California's residential security deposit statute (Civil Code 1950.5) apply only to residential tenancies, not commercial leases.
This tool provides an educational estimate only and is not legal advice. Confirm your specific situation, including local ordinances that may impose additional rules, with a licensed attorney or your local housing authority.