Security deposits in West Hollywood: the local rules

Each rule below links to the section of the West Hollywood Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What West Hollywood's code says

West Hollywood code What West Hollywood's code adds
When interest is paid	Each year, on or before January 31 of the following year. Applies: For interest earned in the year ending December 31, paid directly or as a rent credit until the deposit is returned. § 17.32.020 · code text On or before January 31st of the following year, the landlord shall make a payment to the tenant or allow a rent credit for interest on the amount held as security deposit for the previous year ending December 31st. When the tenant moves out. Applies: Interest accrued for a tenant who vacates the unit. § 17.32.020 · code text Any interest accrued to the benefit of a tenant who vacates a rental unit shall be paid to the tenant upon departure from the premises.
Interest on deposits	Yes; the Rent Stabilization Commission sets the rate each year using its regulations. Applies: Starting with calendar year 1994. § 17.32.020 · code text Beginning with the calendar year 1994, interest on security deposits retained by landlords shall accrue at rates to be determined annually by the Rent Stabilization Commission in accordance with the formulas set forth in the Rent Stabilization Regulations.
Deposit limit	No more than state law allows; it cannot be raised mid-tenancy, except a pet deposit in pre-March 24, 2022 tenancies. § 17.32.020 · code text In no event may the total security deposit collected exceed the maximum set by state law. No extra security deposit may be collected for a pet. Applies: Tenancies starting on or after March 24, 2022, for pets the city's rules allow. § 17.32.020 · code text For tenancies commencing on or after March 24, 2022, a landlord may not collect an additional security deposit at any time during the tenancy to permit the tenant(s) to have a pet(s) allowed by this chapter even if not permitted previously during the tenancy.

The California rule underneath

CA state law Underneath, California law still applies. Security deposit cap: One month's rent, on top of the first month's rent (Civ. Code § 1950.5(c)(1), (c)(6)). Deposit return deadline: 21 calendar days after the tenant moves out, with an itemized statement of any deductions (Civ. Code § 1950.5(h)(1)). California security deposit law — the full state rule →

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

How much can a West Hollywood landlord charge for a security deposit?

West Hollywood's code: No more than state law allows; it cannot be raised mid-tenancy, except a pet deposit in pre-March 24, 2022 tenancies. (§ 17.32.020); Yes; the Rent Stabilization Commission sets the rate each year using its regulations. (Starting with calendar year 1994.) (§ 17.32.020). State law: One month's rent, on top of the first month's rent (Civ. Code § 1950.5(c)(1), (c)(6)).

General information, not legal advice.

Security deposits in West Hollywood

What West Hollywood's code says

The California rule underneath

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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