https://www.mercurynews.com/2023/06/11/10000-to-move-into-a-new-apartment-bill-would-give-california-renters-a-break-on-high-security-deposits/

In California, it’s perfectly legal for landlords to ask renters to cough up more than $10,000 before handing over the keys to a new apartment.

That’s because under state law, property owners can charge up to two months’ rent as a security deposit, on top of the initial lease payment. For a furnished unit, deposits can be as much as three months’ rent.