San Francisco Security Deposit Law: A Renter's Guide
San Francisco landlords must pay interest every year on security deposits, whether or not the unit is rent controlled. The deadline and deposit cap come from California law.
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San Francisco Administrative Code, Chapter 49 (Interest on Security Deposits)
California law also applies. See the California security deposit guide for the statewide rules.
Which rentals are covered
Nearly all residential rentals in San Francisco, including units exempt from rent control. Units with government-assisted or subsidized rent are excluded.
How much a landlord can charge
California's limit applies: one month's rent for leases starting on or after July 1, 2024, or two months' rent for qualifying small landlords.
Interest on your deposit
Landlords must pay simple interest each year on deposits held over one year, at the rate the Rent Board sets from the prior year's commercial paper rate. The rate is 4.2% from March 1, 2026 through February 28, 2027 (5.0% the year before). It is due on the anniversary of the date the landlord received the deposit, and may be paid directly or as a rent credit.
Getting your deposit back
The landlord has 21 days after you move out to return the deposit or send an itemized statement, as under California law. Interest owed for the final partial year must be paid within two weeks after you move out.
Other San Francisco rules
- If you move out before a full year, no interest is owed.
- For rent-controlled units, the landlord may deduct half of the yearly Rent Board fee from the interest.
- The Rent Board does not decide deposit disputes. Tenants go to small claims court.
Penalties
California law applies: up to twice the deposit in addition to the amount owed if the landlord kept it in bad faith.
Taking your landlord to small claims court
If your landlord won't pay after a written demand, you can sue in small claims court (Superior Court, small claims division) for up to $12,500 for individuals ($6,250 for businesses). Filing fee: $30 to $75, depending on the amount claimed and how many claims you've filed. Confirm the current fee with the court clerk. More on California small claims.
San Francisco security deposit questions
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in San Francisco?
California's limit applies: one month's rent for leases starting on or after July 1, 2024, or two months' rent for qualifying small landlords.
Do San Francisco landlords have to pay interest on security deposits?
Landlords must pay simple interest each year on deposits held over one year, at the rate the Rent Board sets from the prior year's commercial paper rate. The rate is 4.2% from March 1, 2026 through February 28, 2027 (5.0% the year before). It is due on the anniversary of the date the landlord received the deposit, and may be paid directly or as a rent credit.
How long does a San Francisco landlord have to return a security deposit?
The landlord has 21 days after you move out to return the deposit or send an itemized statement, as under California law. Interest owed for the final partial year must be paid within two weeks after you move out.
What is the penalty if a San Francisco landlord keeps a deposit wrongfully?
California law applies: up to twice the deposit in addition to the amount owed if the landlord kept it in bad faith.
Last reviewed October 23, 2026. Sources: SF Rent Board: security deposits. This page is general information, not legal advice. See our terms of use.