Berkeley Security Deposit Interest Calculator (2026)
California has no statewide deposit-interest law — but Berkeley does. Current rate: 0.9% (Dec 2025 annual payment); move-out rate set monthly.
Who Berkeley's rule covers
Units fully or partially covered by Berkeley's Rent Stabilization Ordinance.This rate is published each year — confirm the current year's figure with the cited source before relying on it.
Interest owed to tenant
$42.87
- Time held
- 2.38 yrs
- Total to return
- $2,042.87
Berkeley, California rule
Berkeley landlords must pay deposit interest annually each December for units covered by the Rent Ordinance. The rate for the December 2025 payment was 0.9%; the Rent Board also publishes a monthly move-out rate (0.6% for October 2026 move-outs). Miss the January 31 deadline and the tenant may recover interest at 10% for that year.
When paid: Every December (cash or a rent rebate), no later than January 31. At move-out, interest is computed at the Rent Board's rate for the month the tenant leaves.
Last verified October 19, 2026.
Not legal advice. LandlordKit provides general informational tools, not legal advice. Landlord-tenant laws change and vary by city and county. Verify the cited statute and consult a licensed attorney before acting on any result.
How Berkeley deposit interest works
Berkeley landlords must pay deposit interest annually each December for units covered by the Rent Ordinance. The rate for the December 2025 payment was 0.9%; the Rent Board also publishes a monthly move-out rate (0.6% for October 2026 move-outs). Miss the January 31 deadline and the tenant may recover interest at 10% for that year.
When it must be paid: Every December (cash or a rent rebate), no later than January 31. At move-out, interest is computed at the Rent Board's rate for the month the tenant leaves.
Penalty for getting it wrong
If the December payment isn't made by January 31, the tenant may recover interest at 10% for the preceding calendar year.Worked example
A $2,000.00 deposit held 1 year at 0.9% earns $18.00 in interest. Rates reset every year, so confirm the current figure with the city source below before paying.Last verified October 19, 2026.
Berkeley security deposit interest FAQ
When is Berkeley security deposit interest due?+
Every December, as cash or a rent rebate, and no later than January 31. If you miss that deadline the tenant may recover interest at 10% for the preceding calendar year.
What rate applies when a Berkeley tenant moves out?+
The Rent Board publishes a rate for each month of move-outs — 0.6% for October 2026, for example. Use the rate for the month the tenant vacates, not the annual December rate.
Does Berkeley's rule cover every rental?+
It covers units fully or partially covered by the Rent Stabilization Ordinance. Because coverage can be partial, the Rent Board recommends confirming a specific unit's status with its staff.