how much deposit can a landlord ask for in ca
California law permits landlords to charge a security deposit equal to two times the amount of an unfurnished unit's monthly rent. Landlords can require three times the rent for furnished rentals. Upon move-in, the most landlords can ask from tenants is the security deposit plus first month's rent, according to the California Department of Consumer Affairs. For instance, if an unfurnished unit's rent is $2,000, a landlord can collect a maximum of $6,000 upon move-in--a $4,000 security deposit in addition to the first month's rent. In California, landlords may require only one other additional fee--a maximum levy of $42.06, as of 2009--for an application screening fee.