How much deposit can you legally ask for?

Some states cap the deposit on home improvement work. Enter the job total and your state to see the limit, what to ask for, and the balance due at the end.

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The job

Job total

State

Deposit you'd like

$1,000.00

Most you can ask for up front

$1,000.00

Ask for this deposit (8.3%)

$11,000.00

Balance due when the work is done

30% ($3,600.00) is over the limit. Ask for $1,000.00 instead, and bill the rest as the work gets done.

California. On a home improvement contract, the down payment can be no more than $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less. Swimming pool contracts have a lower limit. After that, progress payments cannot run ahead of the work done.

California Business and Professions Code § 7159.5 · checked October 2026

General information, not legal advice. Laws change and some only apply to certain contract types or sizes, so confirm with your licensing board or a lawyer.

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Meet Klio

Next time, let Klio do the paperwork

Klio can apply your state limit automatically when it drafts the invoice, collect the deposit online, and chase the balance when the job is done. You approve each step from your phone.

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FAQQuestions

Is this legal advice?

No. It is a quick check based on the statutes we list, last checked October 2026. Confirm with your licensing board for anything unusual.

Why only three states?

We only list a state once we have read the statute. More are coming; if yours is missing, check your state licensing board.

What about special-order materials?

In Massachusetts you can ask for the cost of special-order or custom materials if that is more than one-third. Enter it and we will use the higher amount.

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