Bill > AB414

This bill modifies California law regarding how landlords return security deposits to tenants, introducing several key changes to the existing process. The bill requires landlords to return security deposits in the same manner they were originally received - either by personal delivery, check, or electronic transfer. If returning the deposit by mail, landlords must now use certified mail. For tenants who paid security deposits electronically, landlords must return the deposit electronically unless both parties agree to an alternative method in writing. In cases with multiple adult tenants, the bill stipulates that the security deposit check should be made payable to all adult tenants and mailed to one tenant chosen by the landlord, unless all tenants have a written agreement specifying a different arrangement. The bill also allows landlords and tenants to mutually agree to send the itemized statement of deductions via email or first-class mail. These changes aim to provide more clarity and flexibility in the security deposit return process while ensuring transparency about any deductions made by the landlord. The bill will apply to residential tenancies and is part of California's ongoing efforts to protect both landlords' and tenants' rights in rental transactions.

Justice

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