California move-in cost and deposit limit calculator
Enter the rent and what the landlord asks for at move-in. The calculator adds one-time charges to the deposit, as California law does, and checks the total against the limit.
How the limit works
- Since July 1, 2024, security is limited to one month's rent, on top of the first month's rent.
- A qualifying small landlord may take up to two months, but never from a service member.
- "Security" includes any fee or charge at the start of the tenancy to process a new tenant or to cover cleaning or damage, and any advance rent. All of it is refundable.
- An application screening fee is separate. It may not exceed actual cost, and is capped at about $65.86 in 2026.
Every charge explained: California fees A to Z.
Frequently asked questions
How much can a landlord collect at move-in in California?
The first month's rent plus security of no more than one month's rent, or two months for a qualifying small landlord. Any one-time move-in, admin or cleaning charge counts toward that limit.
Does last month's rent count toward the California deposit limit?
Yes. Advance payment of rent collected at the start of the tenancy counts as security, so it counts toward the limit.
Does the application fee count toward the deposit?
No. The application screening fee is governed separately by Civil Code 1950.6 and is not security.
Related
Sources: California Civil Code 1950.5 (security deposits) · California Civil Code 1950.6 (application screening fees)
Not legal advice. Confirm your lease with a California attorney.
Not legal advice. Confirm your lease with a California attorney.