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Rent Regulations

San Jose Mun. Code Chapter 17.23 § 17.23.171

Security deposit (San Jose Apartment Rent Ordinance and Tenant Protection Ordinance)

In Force
Verified 6/11/2026 · Next check 9/9/2026
San JoseSecurity Deposits

Operative Text

San Jose Mun. Code Chapter 17.23 § 17.23.171
"Security Deposit" shall have the meaning provided in California Civil Code Section 1950.5, as amended.
Source: Legislative text reproduced verbatim
Plain English

Under San Jose Municipal Code § 17.23.171, the term 'Security Deposit' carries the same meaning established by California Civil Code Section 1950.5, the state law that governs what landlords may collect, hold, and return at the end of a tenancy. By tying the local definition to state law, any updates to Civil Code Section 1950.5 automatically flow into the San Jose rent regulations as well.

Written by anthropic/claude-sonnet-4.6 · Reviewed on September 10, 2026

Plain English — not legal advice.

For Property Managers

Property owners and managers operating under Chapter 17.23 should understand that the security deposit rules defined in California Civil Code Section 1950.5—covering permissible amounts, allowable deductions, and return deadlines—are incorporated by reference into San Jose's local code through § 17.23.171. Compliant operators generally ensure their deposit practices align with both the state statute and any subsequent amendments to it.

General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.

For Tenants

Section 17.23.171 means that the protections California Civil Code Section 1950.5 provides around security deposits—such as limits on the amount collected and requirements for returning funds—apply within San Jose's local rent regulations as well. Tenants who believe a deposit was improperly withheld may have options such as raising the violation as a defense in court, filing a complaint with the San Jose Rent Stabilization Program, or consulting a local tenant-rights organization for guidance.

General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.

Generated September 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.

Effective Timeline

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Related Rules

§ 7-101
Money deposited or advanced for use or rental of personal property; waiver void
§ 7-103
Money deposited or advanced for use or rental of real property; waiver void; administration expenses
§ 7-105
Landlord failing to turn over deposits made by tenants or licensees and to notify tenants or licensees thereof in certain cases

Source Information

Source:https://api.municode.com/CodesContent?jobId=493704&nodeId=TIT17BUCO_CH17.23REDIMEARDWUNEXMOMOPA&productId=14367
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