San Francisco Security Deposit Interest Calculator (2026)
California has no statewide deposit-interest law — but San Francisco does. Current rate: 4.2% (Mar 1, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027; resets each March).
Who San Francisco's rule covers
All residential rental units in San Francisco — including units exempt from rent control — except where the rent is assisted or subsidized by a government agency.This rate is published each year — confirm the current year's figure with the cited source before relying on it.
Interest owed to tenant
$200.08
- Time held
- 2.38 yrs
- Total to return
- $2,200.08
San Francisco, California rule
San Francisco landlords must pay interest on security deposits held at least one full year, at a rate the Rent Board sets each March. For March 1, 2026 – February 28, 2027 the rate is 4.2%. If the tenant leaves before a full year, no interest is due; after that, a partial final year is prorated at the rate in effect when they move out.
When paid: Every year on the tenant's annual due date (the anniversary of when you received the deposit), and within two weeks after the tenant moves out.
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 San Francisco deposit interest works
San Francisco landlords must pay interest on security deposits held at least one full year, at a rate the Rent Board sets each March. For March 1, 2026 – February 28, 2027 the rate is 4.2%. If the tenant leaves before a full year, no interest is due; after that, a partial final year is prorated at the rate in effect when they move out.
When it must be paid: Every year on the tenant's annual due date (the anniversary of when you received the deposit), and within two weeks after the tenant moves out.
Worked example
A $3,000.00 deposit held 1 year at 4.2% earns $126.00 in interest. The rate was 5.0% for March 2025 – February 2026. Rates reset every year, so confirm the current figure with the city source below before paying.Last verified October 19, 2026.
San Francisco security deposit interest FAQ
Does San Francisco's deposit interest rule apply to units that aren't rent controlled?+
Yes. The interest requirement covers all residential rental units in San Francisco, including units exempt from the Rent Ordinance. The exception is units whose rent is assisted or subsidized by a government agency.
What is the San Francisco security deposit interest rate for 2026?+
4.2% for the period March 1, 2026 through February 28, 2027, set by the Rent Board from the prior year's average 90-day commercial paper rate. It was 5.0% the year before, so check the rate each March.
Do I owe interest if my tenant moves out after eight months?+
No. If the tenant vacates before one full year of occupancy, no interest is due. Once they pass a year, interest is owed annually, and any partial final year is prorated at the rate in effect when they move out — payable within two weeks of move-out.