Updated 2026 · California Law
Security Deposit Laws in San Francisco, California (2026)
Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5, landlords in San Francisco must return your security deposit within 21 days after you vacate the unit. Failure to comply entitles you to the deposit plus statutory penalties. This page is a plain-language reference to California's security deposit statute as it applies to San Francisco renters. The San Francisco Rent Ordinance requires landlords of covered units to pay annual interest on deposits at a rate set by the SF Rent Board.
21
Days to Return
Up to 2× deposit
Penalty
$10,000
Small Claims Limit
California Security Deposit Statute — Quick Reference
Statute
Return Deadline
21 days after tenancy ends — Must provide itemization even if keeping full deposit
Penalty
If your landlord acts in bad faith, you can recover up to twice the amount wrongfully withheld, plus actual damages
Small Claims Limit
$10,000
Filing Fee
$30–$75
The 21-Day Return Deadline in Detail
Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5, a San Francisco landlord has 21 calendar days after the tenancy ends to return your security deposit. If the landlord makes deductions, they must provide a written, itemized statement of each deduction along with copies of receipts, invoices, or estimates supporting each charge.
Important: Must provide itemization even if keeping full deposit. The clock starts when the tenancy legally terminates — typically your move-out date or lease end date, whichever is later. To protect your rights, provide your forwarding address in writing on or before your move-out date.
Penalty for Violation
California Statutory Penalty
If your landlord acts in bad faith, you can recover up to twice the amount wrongfully withheld, plus actual damages
Cite: Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5
Up to 2x the deposit for bad faith withholding. To recover these penalties, file in small claims court in San Francisco's jurisdiction. You may also send a formal demand letter first — many landlords return deposits once they receive a written legal demand citing the applicable statute.
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Small Claims Court — California
How to find your court
File at the Superior Court in the county where the rental property is located or where the landlord lives.
California court finder →San Francisco Security Deposit FAQ
How long does a San Francisco landlord have to return my security deposit?
21 calendar days after you vacate, under Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(g). The landlord must return the deposit (or the remaining balance) with a written itemized statement and copies of invoices or receipts supporting any deductions. The SF Rent Ordinance does not shorten or extend this state-law deadline.
Does my San Francisco landlord have to pay interest on my security deposit?
Yes, if your unit is covered by the San Francisco Rent Ordinance. SF landlords of covered units must pay annual interest at the rate published by the SF Rent Board (sfrb.org). Tenants who do not receive required interest may deduct it from rent or claim it in small claims court. State law does not require interest for most California units.
What is the penalty for wrongful deposit withholding in California?
Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(l), a bad faith landlord is liable for 2x the wrongfully withheld amount plus the actual deposit. California courts have found bad faith where landlords cited pretextual damages, failed to provide itemizations, or returned deposits weeks after the 21-day deadline with no explanation.
Can my San Francisco landlord charge for repainting at move-out?
Only if the walls have damage beyond normal wear and tear. California courts generally hold that repainting is the landlord's responsibility after 2–3 years of occupancy. A landlord cannot charge a long-term tenant for standard paint wear. If a landlord deducts for repainting after a multi-year tenancy, that deduction is vulnerable to challenge under § 1950.5.
How do I sue my San Francisco landlord in small claims court for my deposit?
File at the SF Superior Court Small Claims Division, located at 400 McAllister St. Claims up to $10,000 are eligible. Filing fees are $30–$75. You may also contact the SF Rent Board (sfrb.org) for free assistance if your unit is covered by the Rent Ordinance — the Rent Board can intervene in certain deposit disputes.
Related Resources
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This page is a general legal reference for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Security deposit laws may change; always verify the current statute before taking action. Full disclaimer →