Security Deposit

Post date: Jul 26, 2016 5:38:9 AM

Increase on Security Deposit

Under the City's Rent Stabilization Ordinance, a landlord MAY NOT increase the amount of the security deposit being held during a tenancy.

The exception is a tenant with a pet or pets previously not permitted by the lease. This tenant may agree in writing to add a pet deposit in exchange for the landlord's permission to keep the pet(s):

• • Generally, the pet deposit may not exceed one-month's rent;

  • Seniors and persons living with disabilities or HIV/AIDS may not be charged more than 25% of the security deposit already held by the landlord. More information about requirements.

  • In either case, after adding the pet deposit, the total deposit held until move-out may not exceed the limits on security deposits' size set under California State Law for the unit.

A deposit already being held for a tenant who has permitted pets may not be increased.

Interests on Security Deposit

The City of West Hollywood's Rent Stabilization Ordinance requires that tenants be paid interest on their security deposits by January 31 of each year in an amount determined by the City based on prevailing interest rates. For this year's rate see the newsletter. (There have been no updates since 2012.)

Tenants who have not received interest on their security deposit from the landlord, may deduct the amount owed from their rent as of February 1 of each year. Tenants may deduct for past years when the interest went unpaid but they may do so only for the last 3 years of interest still owed. Tenants should contact the an Information Coordinator in the Rent Stabilization & Housing Division to inquire about deducting the interest from rent by calling (323) 848-6450.

Information from West Hollywood Rent Stabilization Ordinance website.