California Security Deposit Recovery
Draft a demand letter grounded in California landlord-tenant law. Cited, validated, and ready to send to your former landlord.
California Deposit Law at a Glance
Primary Statute
Cal. Civ. Code §1950.5
Return Deadline
21 calendar days
Penalty
Up to 2x the deposit amount in bad-faith cases.
What Cal. Civ. Code §1950.5 Provides
Requires landlords to return security deposits within 21 calendar days of move-out, along with an itemized statement of deductions.
This is general information about the statute. A demand letter generated by Resolvaio will cite the specific subsections relevant to your situation. Verify current law with official sources.
How to Recover Your Deposit in California
- 1Answer diagnostic questions about your tenancy, move-out date, deposit amount, and any deductions claimed.
- 2Receive a demand letter citing Cal. Civ. Code §1950.5 and other applicable California statutes.
- 3Review and send via USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt. We track the statutory deadline.
- 4If no response, escalation documents for small claims court or a state attorney general complaint are available.
Refund available before generation. One letter per case.
California small claims by county
If your landlord ignores the demand letter, here's where you file in California — with each county's court and filing fee.
California security deposit — common questions
- How long does my California landlord have to return my deposit?
- California landlords have 21 calendar days after you move out to either return your full deposit or mail an itemized statement of deductions with any remaining balance. The 21 days count weekends and holidays (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5).
- Can my California landlord charge me for cleaning?
- Only for cleaning needed to return the unit to the condition it was in at move-in — not for ordinary wear and tear. If more than $125 is deducted, the landlord must provide receipts for the labor and materials. Since April 2025 (SB 712), landlords must also document the unit with before-and-after photos.
- What can a California landlord legally deduct?
- Deductions are limited to four statutory categories: unpaid rent, cleaning to move-in condition, repair of damage beyond normal wear and tear, and restoring or replacing items where the lease allows it. Anything outside those categories — or normal wear — is not a valid deduction.
- How much can my California landlord charge as a deposit?
- As of AB 12 (2024), most California landlords may charge no more than one month’s rent as a security deposit, regardless of whether the unit is furnished. A narrow small-landlord exception exists.
- What if my landlord missed the 21-day deadline?
- Missing the deadline or failing to itemize weakens the landlord’s position. If a court finds the deposit was retained in bad faith, you may recover the deposit plus up to twice its amount in statutory damages (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(l)).
- How much can I sue for in California small claims?
- California small claims court handles deposit disputes up to $12,500 for individuals. You can file without a lawyer, and a free Small Claims Advisor is available in most counties.
General information about California law. Resolvaio is a writing and research assistance tool, not a law firm. Verify current statutes with official sources before acting.