Legal maximum amount of security deposit that can be charged by a landlord in California is two months rent. In reality, deposit amount is charged ranging from $300 to $500 by apartment complexes and up to 2 months by private landlords.

Due to the current market situation, most landlords lower their deposit amount to entice suitable renters to rent their properties. In today's market, about 90% of landlords charge approximately one month rent for deposit.

For other landlords who charge 1.5 months to 2 months deposit will encounter difficulties renting their properties for not being able to compete against majority of rentals that charge only one month rent for deposit.

Since most renters will rent a house with less deposit choosing between two rentals, the most sensible amount for landlords to charge is roughly about one month rent.