Limit on Pet Deposit in CA

[Amand Liu]

Hi All,

I need some urgent help on the topic of the Pet Deposit rule in California. I have a property in California (napa) and we found a qualified tenant but with a pet. The tenant is qualified and we agree to rent the house but we have not signed a lease yet. As per my understanding, you can charge up to 2 months of rent as a pet deposit in addition to a security deposit (we are charging one month's rent). I want a higher pet deposit as the house is expensive and a pet (a cat in this case) can cause substantial damage.

I understand some new rules will kick in in July 2024 but I am talking about current rules and regulations as we will be renting this month. Is it possible

1) To charge two months of rent as pet deposit in addition to security deposit ?

2) If not then what is the maximum amount you can charge for pet deposit ?

3) Is it possible to not move forward with this tenant (since we didn't sign lease) and look for another tenant ?

Thanks

AL