New California Law Requires Photo Documentation for Security Deposit Deductions

[Sanjeev Advani]

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 2801, a law requiring landlords to provide photo documentation when making security deposit deductions. Originally drafted to prevent landlords from using security deposits for cleaning or repairs, the bill was amended after opposition from the California Apartment Association (CAA).

Landlords will now need to photograph rental units before tenants move in, at the end of the lease, and after repairs or cleaning. These photos must be provided along with the security deposit statement. The new requirements will apply to tenancies starting on or after July 1, 2025, with pre- and post-repair photos required by April 1, 2025.

This law also clarifies that landlords can only deduct professional cleaning costs if needed to restore the property to its original state. CAA’s involvement in amending the bill ensured that landlords can still manage their properties effectively while following new, transparent guidelines.

[Nathan Gesner]

Landlors should have been documenting the before/after condition with photos this entire time. Digital cameras make it easy to take hundreds of photos during each inspection.