California Rental Fees: Applications, Deposits & Move-Out

California application and screening fees

California limits screening charges to the permitted screening costs and an annually adjusted ceiling. The Berkeley Rent Board lists the 2026 maximum as $68.96. That is a ceiling, not a required charge or a statewide average.

Ask which screening process the landlord uses. California allows an ordered review process that charges only applicants actually considered, or a process that refunds applicants not selected. The screening statute sets the conditions and refund deadlines. Do not assume every rejected application earns a refund: an applicant considered and rejected under the first process may still owe the fee.

How much security deposit can be required?

For new deposits under the rules effective July 1, 2024, the general limit is one month's rent. The California Attorney General explains a two-month exception for qualifying owners with no more than two rental properties totaling four units, who are individuals or qualifying LLCs. Service members have additional protection. An older deposit requires a separate check of the rules that applied when collected.

A refundable deposit ties up cash, but it is not automatically money spent. Add the actual screening charge separately. Keep any credited holding payment out of the total a second time.

Move-out inspection, deductions and the 21-day deadline

California's tenant guidance gives landlords 21 days after move-out to return the balance and itemize deductions. Allowed uses include unpaid rent, damage beyond ordinary wear, cleaning back to the move-in standard and certain agreed personal-property restoration costs. A deposit is not a fund for charging you for pre-existing damage.

You can request an initial inspection during the two weeks before leaving so there is time to address identified issues. Ask for the written list, compare it with your move-in photos and keep receipts for any cleaning or repairs you arrange.

Before you pay or leave

• Get the screening price, criteria and refund process before applying.
• If asked for more than one month's deposit, request the reason the exception applies.
• Check your city's additional protections; Berkeley rules are not automatically statewide rules.
• Give the notice required for your tenancy and keep proof of key return.

This guide covers ordinary residential rentals, not every subsidized-housing arrangement or special termination. A deposit-return deadline is different from the notice you must give to end a lease. Use local legal aid for a disputed charge or deadline.