Trust FundsIntermediateCalifornia Exam

A property manager collects security deposits from tenants. Under California law, security deposits:

ABelong to the landlord and may be deposited into the landlord's general account
BAre trust funds and must be held in a trust account unless the owner authorizes otherwise in writingCorrect
CMust be placed in an interest-bearing account for the tenant's benefit
DAre limited to one month's rent for all residential units

Why Are trust funds and must be held in a trust account unless the owner authorizes otherwise in writing Is Correct

Answer B: Are trust funds and must be held in a trust account unless the owner authorizes otherwise in writing

Security deposits collected by a property manager are trust funds held on behalf of the owner. They must be maintained in a trust account unless the owner authorizes the property manager in writing to hold funds differently.

Exam Tip: Trust Funds

Trust fund questions test the rules for handling client money. Know the deadlines for depositing trust funds, what constitutes commingling vs. conversion, and the penalties for violations.

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