California Civil Code 1950.5 requires your landlord to return your deposit within 21 days of move-out with an itemized statement. Miss the deadline or withhold in bad faith = up to 3x the wrongfully withheld amount.
What the 21-Day Rule Requires
- Return the full deposit, OR
- Itemized statement with receipts + any remaining balance
Missing day 21 forfeits the right to ANY deductions. Send the itemization on day 22 = entire deposit must be returned.
Invalid Deductions
- Normal wear and tear
- Pre-existing conditions
- Improvements beyond restoring original condition
Sue in Small Claims Court — no attorney, $12,500 limit. Bring move-in checklist, move-out photos, and your demand letter.
Section 9 includes the Security Deposit Demand Letter and Claude AI Prompt 9 to calculate your full damages claim.
Get the Kit — $47 →Educational use only. Not legal advice. Justice Foundation.
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