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Maya Patel (fictional tenant) [Fictional current mailing address] September 07, 2026 Daniel Reed (fictional landlord) [Fictional landlord mailing address] SENT VIA CERTIFIED MAIL - RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED RE: Demand for return of security deposit - [Fictional California rental address] Dear Daniel Reed (fictional landlord): I vacated the above rental property on August 01, 2026 and paid a security deposit of $2,000.00. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5 (California Security Deposit Law), the applicable return rule is: 21 days after move-out to return the deposit or send an itemized statement. DISPUTED DEDUCTIONS I dispute the following deductions under Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5 for the reasons below. Please provide the records supporting each disputed charge, including the work, cost, and condition at issue. For replacement charges, explain the item's age and how you calculated the amount charged: • Repainting ordinary wall scuffs - $300.00 Ordinary wear and tear - not deductible. Repainting after a tenancy is ordinary wear and tear unless the walls were damaged beyond normal use (large holes, unauthorized colors). Dated move-in and move-out photos help distinguish ordinary wear from tenant-caused damage. • General cleaning fee - $150.00 Unsubstantiated - proof demanded. Cleaning may be deductible to restore move-in cleanliness, subject to the state's documentation rules. Request an itemized explanation of the work and supporting records. I do not contest the following deductions, totaling $400.00: Unpaid rent balance ($400.00). This demand does not cancel any accepted debt. Any separate claim or counterclaim must credit amounts already paid or retained toward that debt. DEMAND I demand payment of $450.00, the amount improperly withheld from my deposit. This demand is limited to the amount improperly withheld. The applicable statutory remedy is conditional: under Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(m), bad-faith retention of a deposit exposes you to statutory damages of up to twice the deposit, in addition to actual damages. I reserve the right to seek that remedy if its conditions are established in court. Please deliver payment to the address above no later than September 21, 2026 (14 days from the date of this letter). This requested date does not shorten any statutory notice or cure period. If this remains unresolved after the applicable notice, service and waiting requirements are satisfied, I intend to file suit in small claims court. I have retained dated photographs of the property's condition, the lease, our correspondence, your itemized statement, the repair receipts you provided, and this demand letter. Sincerely, Maya Patel (fictional tenant) Enclosures: Evidence exhibit list