Security Deposit Rules - Long Beach, California

Housing and Building Standards California 3 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026 Flag of California

Long Beach, California renters and landlords must follow California law for residential security deposits and local enforcement pathways. The primary statute governing deposit limits, allowable deductions and return timelines is California Civil Code section 1950.5; Long Beach enforces habitability and consumer complaints through its Code Enforcement and Development Services offices[1][2].

Security deposit limits & allowed deductions

Under California Civil Code section 1950.5 a landlord may limit an initial security deposit to:

  • Up to two months' rent for unfurnished units.
  • Up to three months' rent for furnished units.

Permitted deductions after a tenancy ends generally include unpaid rent, repair of damage beyond normal wear and tear, and necessary cleaning to return the unit to the same level of cleanliness as at move-in. Landlords must provide an itemized statement of deductions when withholding any portion of the deposit[1].

Keep dated photos and receipts at move-in and move-out to document condition and cleaning costs.

Return timelines & itemized statements

California law requires the landlord to furnish a written itemized statement of deductions and return any remaining deposit within 21 days after the tenant has vacated the premises. The statement must identify repairs or cleaning costs and include receipts or invoices when deductions exceed the costs stated[1].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for security deposit disputes may involve civil actions by tenants and administrative or code-enforcement processes for related habitability or consumer violations. Specific municipal fine amounts for security deposit violations are not specified on the cited Long Beach enforcement page; refer to the state statute for civil remedies and consult the city office for complaint procedures[1][2].

  • Monetary penalties and statutory remedies under state law: see California Civil Code section 1950.5 for return timelines and allowed deductions; specific statutory damages or multipliers are described in that code section[1].
  • Non-monetary sanctions: local inspectors may order repairs, abatement of substandard conditions, or referral to other city enforcement units; court orders are available through civil actions.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: Long Beach Code Enforcement and Development Services receive habitability and consumer complaints; submit complaints via the city portal or contact the department for inspection requests[2].
  • Appeal and review: civil court actions and small claims are common routes for tenant recoveries; specific administrative appeal time limits are not specified on the cited Long Beach pages and may depend on the enforcement instrument or notice served[2].
  • Discretion and defenses: landlords commonly assert evidence of damage, unpaid rent, or lease compliance; tenants may defend by producing move-in documentation and evidence of normal wear and tear.
If the landlord fails to provide the itemized statement within 21 days, tenants should preserve evidence and consider filing a civil claim.

Applications & Forms

California does not prescribe a single statewide form for itemized deposit statements; the statute requires a written statement of deductions and return of funds within the statutory 21-day period. Long Beach does not publish a specific city deposit-return form on the cited enforcement page; tenants may use the city's complaint intake to report violations or ask the landlord for the required itemized statement[1][2].

FAQ

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit?
California limits deposits to two months' rent for unfurnished units and three months' rent for furnished units under Civil Code section 1950.5.[1]
When must my landlord return my deposit?
The landlord must provide an itemized statement and return any remaining deposit within 21 days after you vacate the unit.[1]
What if I disagree with deductions?
Gather move-in photos, receipts, and the lease; request supporting receipts for deductions and consider filing a complaint with Long Beach Code Enforcement or pursuing a civil or small claims action.[2]
Does Long Beach require landlords to register security deposits or pay interest?
Interest requirements or registration are governed by local ordinance if adopted; such requirements are not specified on the cited Long Beach pages and are not set by the statewide Civil Code section 1950.5 for most jurisdictions.[2]

How-To

  1. Document the unit condition with photos and a dated checklist at move-in and move-out.
  2. Request the itemized statement in writing if the landlord withholds any deposit funds after you vacate.
  3. Wait 21 days from vacancy for the landlord to deliver the statement and refund; preserve evidence of delivery dates.
  4. If unsatisfied, file a complaint with Long Beach Code Enforcement or consider small claims/civil action for recovery.

Key Takeaways

  • California law caps deposits and requires a 21-day return with an itemized statement.
  • Long Beach enforces habitability and accepts complaints through Development Services and Code Enforcement.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] California Civil Code §1950.5 - Security deposits and return timelines
  2. [2] City of Long Beach Development Services - Code Enforcement

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