California security-deposit return deadline
Under Cal. Civ. Code §1950.5, you have 21 days from move-out. Enter the date the tenant vacated to get your exact deadline.
Deadlines per Cal. Civ. Code §1950.5. California statutes change; verify with the current statute. Not legal advice.
What Cal. Civ. Code §1950.5 requires
- Return deadline: 21 days
- Deposit cap: 1 month's rent — 2 months allowed for small natural-person/family-LLC landlords (max 2 properties / 4 units); always 1 month for active service members
- Itemized statement required; attach receipts/invoices when deductions exceed $125
- Photo documentation of move-out condition and completed repairs required for deductions (2025 rules)
- Bad-faith retention: up to 2x the deposit in addition to actual damages
Statutes as of August 2026. Statutes change — verify with the current text of Cal. Civ. Code §1950.5 before relying on a deadline. This is general information, not legal advice; consult a California attorney for your situation.
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