April has now come and with it are new requirements around the return of security deposits in California.

Landlords now need to take photos of the property immediately after receiving possession back from a tenant and before any repairs or cleaning take place and also immediately after repairs are made or cleaning is done. Additionally, landlords will need to send photos along with the standard itemized list of what the deposit was used for and a written explanation of the cost of the repairs or cleaning.

Finally, landlords are not able to charge for professional carpet cleaning or professional cleaning unless those services are necessary to return the unit to the same condition it was in prior to being rented out excluding ordinary wear and tear.