Bill > AB414

This bill amends California Civil Code Section 1950.5 to modify how landlords handle security deposits for residential rental properties. The bill introduces several key changes to the existing law, including requiring landlords to return security deposits by personal delivery or by check payable to the tenant, with a specific electronic return method for tenants who originally paid their security deposit electronically. For rentals with multiple adult tenants, the bill mandates that the security deposit check be made payable to all adult tenants, and the itemized statement can be sent to any one of the tenants. The bill also provides new provisions for landlords to photograph the rental unit at the beginning and end of tenancy (starting April 1, 2025), and establishes detailed requirements for documenting any deductions from the security deposit, including providing receipts, invoices, and explanations for repairs or cleaning. Additionally, the bill includes protections for tenants by imposing potential statutory damages of up to twice the security deposit amount if a landlord acts in bad faith when handling the deposit. These changes aim to provide more transparency and protection for tenants in the security deposit return process, with most provisions taking effect on July 1, 2025.

Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB414