In California, what does the law say about security deposit, amount cap?
Answered for: California
Except as provided in paragraph (2), (3), or (5), a landlord shall not demand or receive security, however denominated, in an amount or value in excess of an amount equal to one month’s rent, in addition to any rent for the first month paid on or before initial occupancy.
This is California's statute on security deposit, amount cap, in its own words.
This answer is true in California and nowhere else on this site. Another jurisdiction is another answer, or an honest gap: see what has been read for California.