Your deposit can only go up for a new pet, with your written OK.
Why, and the exact law
From East Palo Alto Rent Stabilization Board Regulations § 1200, read Oct 4, 2026.Show the law
“Any amount demanded, accepted, or retained by a landlord as a security deposit within the
meaning of Section 1950.5 of the California Civil Code shall not be increased for any tenant
during the term of the tenancy, except as provided in the subsection B of this section …”
State law applies here too. Where both cover a rental, the stricter city rule usually wins; each rule below says so.
East Palo Alto lawIn force
East Palo Alto RSB Regulation 1200 – Security deposits
Can they raise my deposit?
It can't go up while you rent.
Your deposit can only go up for a new pet, with your written OK.
In force since
Sep 28, 2011
Enacted
Sep 28, 2011
The law, word for word
“Any amount demanded, accepted, or retained by a landlord as a security deposit within the
meaning of Section 1950.5 of the California Civil Code shall not be increased for any tenant
during the term of the tenancy, except as provided in the subsection B of this section …”
East Palo Alto Rent Stabilization Board Regulations § 1200 · cityofepa.org · Retrieved Oct 4, 2026
California lawIn force
California security deposit cap and handling (AB 12)
How big can the deposit be?
Max 1 month's rent.
An individual owner (2 rentals, 4 units at most) may ask for 2 months, but not from a service member.
Who it covers
Covers: Security for rental agreements of residential property used as the tenant's dwelling.
In force since
Jul 1, 2024
Current version since
Jan 1, 2026
The law, word for word
“a landlord shall not demand or receive security, however denominated, in an amount or value in excess of an amount equal to one month’s rent, in addition to any rent for the first month paid on or before initial occupancy …”