- Security deposit: Typically, the maximum amount a landlord can charge for a security deposit is two month's rent. However, some cities and counties in California may have lower limits.
- First month's rent: Rent must be paid in advance for the first month of tenancy.
- Last month's rent: Some landlords may require last month's rent as a security deposit. However, this is not a legal requirement and is not considered a security deposit under California law.
- Application fee: Landlords may charge an application fee to process a prospective tenant's application. The maximum amount that can be charged for an application fee is $50.
- Credit check fee: Landlords may charge a credit check fee to obtain a credit report on a prospective tenant. The maximum amount that can be charged for a credit check fee is $15.
There are some additional fees that landlords are allowed to charge, but these fees must be specific expenses incurred by the landlord as a result of the tenant moving in, such as:
- Carpet cleaning fee: If the landlord has to clean the carpets before a new tenant moves in, they can charge a reasonable fee for this service.
- Pet deposit: If the tenant has a pet, the landlord can charge a pet deposit to cover any potential damage caused by the pet. The maximum amount that can be charged for a pet deposit is two month's rent.
- Parking fee: If the landlord provides parking, they can charge a fee for parking. The maximum amount that can be charged for a parking fee is $50 per month.
It's important to note that these are just the general limits on move-in costs in California. Some cities and counties may have additional regulations or limits. If you're a tenant or prospective tenant, be sure to check with the local housing authority or rent board to learn more about the specific rules and regulations that apply to your area.
