California Civil Code Section 1950.5 (Residential Security Deposits)
California's residential security deposit law for landlords and property managers: the deposit cap, service member rules, permitted deductions, the pre-move-out inspection, photographs at move-in and move-out, the itemised return within 21 days with invoices and photographs, electronic refunds from 2026, joint tenants, and what happens to deposits when a property is sold.
California Civil Code Section 1950.5 (Residential Security Deposits) is a compliance framework from United States: California with 4 domains and 20 controls. The largest domains are Return and accounting after the tenant leaves – California Civil Code Section 1950.5 (Residential Security Deposits) (7 controls), Taking and holding the deposit – California Civil Code Section 1950.5 (Residential Security Deposits) (6 controls), Move-out inspection and photographs – California Civil Code Section 1950.5 (Residential Security Deposits) (4 controls). Every control below carries what it requires and what an assessor expects to see.
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Framework Domains (4)
Move-out inspection and photographs – California Civil Code Section 1950.5 (Residential Security Deposits)
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| california-civil-code-section-1950-5-residential-security-deposits::f-1 | (f)(1) Notice of the right to an initial inspection, and conducting it on request |
| california-civil-code-section-1950-5-residential-security-deposits::f-2 | (f)(2) and (f)(4) Itemised statement of proposed deductions after the initial inspection |
| california-civil-code-section-1950-5-residential-security-deposits::g-1 | (g)(1) Photographs at the start of the tenancy |
| california-civil-code-section-1950-5-residential-security-deposits::g-2 | (g)(2) Photographs after move-out and after repairs or cleaning |
Return and accounting after the tenant leaves – California Civil Code Section 1950.5 (Residential Security Deposits)
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| california-civil-code-section-1950-5-residential-security-deposits::h-1 | (h)(1) Itemised statement and refund within 21 days after the tenant vacates |
| california-civil-code-section-1950-5-residential-security-deposits::h-1AB | (h)(1)(A) and (B) Method of refund and delivery of the statement, including electronic return |
| california-civil-code-section-1950-5-residential-security-deposits::h-1C | (h)(1)(C) Multiple adult tenants: joint check or written allocation agreement |
| california-civil-code-section-1950-5-residential-security-deposits::h-2 | (h)(2) Supporting documents and photographs sent with the statement |
| california-civil-code-section-1950-5-residential-security-deposits::h-3 | (h)(3) Good-faith estimate where work or invoices are not complete within 21 days |
| california-civil-code-section-1950-5-residential-security-deposits::h-4-5 | (h)(4) and (5) Documentation on request despite the $125 or waiver exceptions |
| california-civil-code-section-1950-5-residential-security-deposits::h-6 | (h)(6) Mail to the address the tenant provides |
Taking and holding the deposit – California Civil Code Section 1950.5 (Residential Security Deposits)
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| california-civil-code-section-1950-5-residential-security-deposits::c-4 | (c)(4) Higher security from a service member: written statement and return after six months |
| california-civil-code-section-1950-5-residential-security-deposits::c-5B | (c)(5)(B) No refusal to rent to a service member because of the deposit cap |
| california-civil-code-section-1950-5-residential-security-deposits::c-cap | (c)(1), (2), (3), (5), (6) Maximum security: one month's rent, two months for qualifying small landlords |
| california-civil-code-section-1950-5-residential-security-deposits::d | (d) Hold the security for the tenant |
| california-civil-code-section-1950-5-residential-security-deposits::e | (e) Deductions limited to reasonable amounts for permitted purposes |
| california-civil-code-section-1950-5-residential-security-deposits::n | (n) No non-refundable security in the lease |
Transfer of the landlord's interest – California Civil Code Section 1950.5 (Residential Security Deposits)
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| california-civil-code-section-1950-5-residential-security-deposits::i | (i) On sale or other end of the landlord's interest: transfer to the successor with notice, or refund |
| california-civil-code-section-1950-5-residential-security-deposits::j | (j) Written deposit statement to the successor before a voluntary transfer |
| california-civil-code-section-1950-5-residential-security-deposits::k-l | (k) and (l) Successor in interest: liability and no replacement security |
What is California Civil Code Section 1950.5 (Residential Security Deposits) and who does it apply to?
California Civil Code Section 1950.5 (Residential Security Deposits) is a compliance framework from United States: California with 4 domains and 20 controls. California's residential security deposit law for landlords and property managers: the deposit cap, service member rules, permitted deductions, the pre-move-out inspection, photographs at move-in and move-out, the itemised return within 21 days with invoices and photographs, electronic refunds from 2026, joint tenants, and what happens to deposits when a property is sold. It is used by organisations to establish and maintain compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
What does California Civil Code Section 1950.5 (Residential Security Deposits) actually require?
California Civil Code Section 1950.5 (Residential Security Deposits) has 20 controls organised across 4 domains. The largest domains are Return and accounting after the tenant leaves – California Civil Code Section 1950.5 (Residential Security Deposits) (7 controls), Taking and holding the deposit – California Civil Code Section 1950.5 (Residential Security Deposits) (6 controls), Move-out inspection and photographs – California Civil Code Section 1950.5 (Residential Security Deposits) (4 controls). Each control defines specific requirements that organisations must implement to achieve compliance.
If I already comply with another framework, how much of California Civil Code Section 1950.5 (Residential Security Deposits) do I already cover?
California Civil Code Section 1950.5 (Residential Security Deposits) does not currently have cross-framework mappings in our system. Check back as we continuously expand our mapping database.
How do I implement California Civil Code Section 1950.5 (Residential Security Deposits)?
Start your California Civil Code Section 1950.5 (Residential Security Deposits) compliance journey by running a self-assessment on our platform to identify your current compliance posture. Our AI advisory can answer specific questions about California Civil Code Section 1950.5 (Residential Security Deposits) requirements, and cross-framework mapping helps you leverage existing controls from other frameworks you may already comply with. Create a free account to access all 20 controls and track your progress.
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