If you are a service member applying for a California rental, two different laws may matter. California's SB 611 changed a security-deposit rule effective April 1, 2025. The federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, or SCRA, addresses qualifying military-service issues such as residential lease termination and eviction procedure.
Current Civil Code section 1950.5(c)(4) says that, when a landlord charges a service member a higher than standard or advertised residential security deposit because of credit history, housing history or another tenant-related factor, the landlord must give a written statement of the higher amount and reason on or before the lease is signed.
If the tenant is not in arrears for rent during the first six months, the additional amount must be returned after no more than six months of residency, and the lease must state the return date. The statute also excludes service members from the small-landlord two-month-deposit exception in subdivision (c)(5).
Suppose the monthly rent is $2,500 and a listing advertises a $2,000 deposit, but the offered lease asks a qualifying service member for $2,400 because of credit history. Ask for the written amount and reason before signing, and check that the lease states when the additional $400 is due back if rent remains current through the first six months. This is a hypothetical example; the general deposit ceiling and the actual facts still matter.
The Department of Justice SCRA guide describes a residential lease termination right when a qualifying service member signs a lease and later receives permanent-change-of-station orders, deployment orders for 90 days or more, or separation/retirement orders. A lease signed before entering service can also qualify under federal rules. Keep the lease, orders and written notice together; the effective date depends on the law and the rent cycle. Do not assume every move or spouse deployment meets the same conditions.
For an eviction during service, DOJ says a landlord generally needs a court order to evict a service member or dependent from a residence. That protection does not decide an individual case from an article. If a notice or court paper arrives, preserve it and seek help promptly.
The SCRA may cap interest at 6% on qualifying pre-service debts, including certain mortgages or credit-card obligations. DOJ says to send the creditor a written request and proof of military service no later than 180 days after military service ends. It is separate from SB 611 and does not mean every loan opened during active duty is capped. Mortgage foreclosure protections likewise concern qualifying pre-service mortgages.
The SCRA also provides protections in civil court proceedings and default judgments. Military service does not automatically erase a deadline or stop every case. Bring any summons, service record and military orders to military legal assistance promptly so the applicable stay or default-judgment protection can be assessed.
The DOJ financial and housing guide also explains early vehicle-lease termination for qualifying service or orders. The vehicle rules have their own conditions, including rules for dependent joint lessees. Check that lease and the orders separately from a residential lease.
This is educational guidance for service members and families. The exact protection depends on the person, orders, tenancy dates, lease and source records.