Los Angeles Renters
Get Your Security Deposit Back in Los Angeles
Your Los Angeles landlord has 21 days to return your security deposit after you move out. Know your rights and hold them accountable.
21
Days to return
$2,900
Avg. rent
4M
Population
Los Angeles Local Info
LA has strong tenant protections under the LA Rent Stabilization Ordinance. Landlords must pay interest on security deposits held for 1+ years.
Local Ordinance
Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO)
California's 21-day return deadline applies. As of July 1, 2024 (AB 12), deposits are capped at 1 month's rent. LA requires interest payments on deposits held over 1 year.
Penalties: 2x deposit for bad faith under California law. Additional penalties under RSO for covered units.
Read the full ordinance →Los Angeles Deposit Rules
Interest Required
Yes
Rate set annually by LA Housing Department
Max Deposit
1 months' rent
Return Deadline
21 days
Penalty
2x deposit for bad faith under California law. Additional penalties under RSO for covered units.
Get Your Deposit Back in Los Angeles: Step by Step
Determine RSO Coverage
Check if your unit is covered by the LA RSO at the Housing Department website. RSO units built before October 1978 have additional deposit protections.
Verify Interest Payments
If your unit is RSO-covered, your landlord must pay interest on your deposit annually. Failure to pay interest is an additional violation.
Track the 21-Day Deadline
California gives landlords exactly 21 days to return your deposit with an itemized statement and receipts for deductions.
Send a Demand Letter
Cite California Civil Code § 1950.5 and the 2x bad faith penalty. If your unit is RSO-covered, reference the additional RSO requirements.
File in LA Small Claims Court
File at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse or your nearest LA courthouse. Bring all documentation including RSO status if applicable.
Calculate Your Los Angeles Deadline
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Local Small Claims Court
Court
LA Superior Court - Stanley Mosk Courthouse Small Claims
Address
111 N. Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Filing Fee
$30-$75
Claims Limit
$10,000
California Security Deposit Law
Return Deadline
21 days after move-out
Penalty for Late Return
If your landlord acts in bad faith, you can recover up to twice the amount wrongfully withheld, plus actual damages
Los Angeles Security Deposit FAQ
What protections does the LA RSO provide for deposits?
The RSO requires landlords of rent-stabilized units to pay interest on security deposits. It also provides additional tenant protections beyond state law.
How long does my LA landlord have to return my deposit?
21 days under California law. This applies to all LA rentals whether or not they're under the RSO.
What is the maximum deposit in Los Angeles?
California limits deposits to 2 months' rent for unfurnished units. LA doesn't impose a stricter limit.
Can my LA landlord charge for repainting?
Only if the walls have damage beyond normal wear. For tenancies over 2-3 years, repainting is considered normal maintenance.
Where do I file a small claims case in LA?
File at LA Superior Court Small Claims Division. Claims up to $10,000 are eligible. Filing fee ranges from $30-$75.