New California Security Deposit Law – What Landlords & Tenants Need to Know about AB 2801

Starting 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟭, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱, California landlords will face new requirements when handling security deposit deductions, including mandatory pre- and post-repair photos to improve transparency.  (See Cal. Civ. Code Sec. 1950.5.)

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴?
📸 Pre-repair/cleaning photos – Taken after move-out but before any repairs or cleaning.
📸 Post-repair/cleaning photos – Taken after repairs or cleaning are completed.

These photo requirements apply to all tenancies, regardless of when the lease started.

𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁.
If a deduction is made from the security deposit, landlords must now provide:
✔️ 𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝘀 documenting the condition before and after repairs/cleaning.
✔️ 𝗜𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 with bills, invoices, or receipts.

The law aims to create greater accountability in security deposit returns, benefiting both landlords and tenants. Note there will be several other changes to the existing law concerning security deposits.

💬 What do you think? Will this make the move-out process smoother or create new challenges? Let’s discuss!