What can a landlord use my security deposit for?

Although a security deposit may be used “for any purpose,” four are specifically identified: (1) landlord reimbursement for a tenant’s rent default, (2) repair of damages to the rental unit, exclusive of ordinary wear and tear, caused by the tenant or guests, (3) cleaning costs necessary to return the rental unit to the same level of cleanliness it was in at the start of the tenancy, and (4) if authorized by the lease, payment of any tenant default to restore, replace, or return personal property or appurtenances, exclusive of ordinary wear and tear.See Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(b)(1)–(4).

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