Ready or Not, AB 2801 Is Coming: California Landlords Must Rethink Security Deposit Inspections

Starting now, California landlords will face new, legally mandated documentation standards thanks to Assembly Bill 2801 (AB 2801). While the law aims to improve fairness and transparency in how security deposit deductions are handled, it also presents a challenge: detailed photographic evidence is now non-negotiable.

Here’s what landlords need to know and how Seek Now is making it easier than ever to stay compliant.

What Is AB 2801?

Signed into law in 2024, AB 2801 requires landlords to provide photographic documentation when withholding any portion of a security deposit for cleaning or repairs.

Key dates:

• April 1, 2025: Landlords must take photos after a tenant moves out but before cleaning or repairs begin, and again after work is completed.

• July 1, 2025: For new leases starting on or after this date, landlords must also take photos immediately before move-in.

  
  

These photos must be included with the itemized statement of deductions sent to tenants.

Why This Matters

The goal of AB 2801 is simple: reduce disputes and protect tenants. But for property managers and owners, the operational implications are anything but simple.

Manual photo processes can be time-consuming, inconsistent, and difficult to audit. And let’s be honest—missing even one photo could put you at legal risk.

Seeker 360™: Your Secret Weapon for Compliance

Seek Now’s Seeker 360™ was built to solve these exact pain points.

With our high-resolution, timestamped 360° scans, you get:

• Before & after condition reports—documented in full panoramic detail

• Damage tagging—to highlight concerns and support deductions

• Secure digital storage—so you never misplace evidence

• 2D floor plans—for better record-keeping and work order documentation

• Remote viewing—for owners or stakeholders who need visibility from afar

It's more than a compliance tool. It's an upgrade to your entire inspection and documentation workflow.

What’s Next for Landlords?

You don’t have to wait until 2025 to prepare. In fact, we recommend getting ahead of the curve now:

1. Audit your current inspection and move-out procedures

2. Identify gaps in documentation or inconsistent practices

3. Schedule a consultation with Seek Now to see how Seeker 360™ can automate and streamline compliance

Final Thought

AB 2801 isn’t just another regulatory hoop to jump through. It’s a push toward transparency and a chance for property managers to elevate their processes.

Seek Now is ready. Are you?