California security deposit law: know your rights.
Understand the return, deduction and notice rules in California. Check which conditions apply to your rental, then choose your next step.
Your deposit rights in California
- Return timing
- 21 days after move-out to return the deposit or send an itemized statement.
- Accounting for deductions
- Itemized statement generally due within 21 days. Supporting repair and cleaning cost records are subject to the aggregate $125 exception, valid waivers, good-faith estimates and subsequent document requests in section 1950.5(h)(2)-(5).
- Deposit interest
- The state deposit statute does not require interest. Check any additional lease or local rule.
Registry review: July 2026. Review dates refer to the cited rules, not an attorney review of your case.
Does this rule apply to your rental?
Check the type of tenancy, the lease and any local or housing-program rules before relying on the statewide summary.
Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5 ↗What starts the return clock?
21 days after move-out to return the deposit or send an itemized statement.
Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5 ↗Check your return timing
Optional estimate from your move-out date. Read the start conditions above before treating that estimate as the return deadline. You can start the free analysis without completing this check.
Check what the landlord deducted
Repair and cleaning documentation is subject to Civil Code 1950.5(h)(2)-(5). The $125 exception concerns aggregate repair and cleaning deductions, not each charge. Written waivers, good-faith estimates and later tenant requests have separate rules.
Match each charge to the work alleged, the lease provision and the records supporting the amount. Keep refunds and charges you accept separate from those you dispute.
Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5 ↗What could you recover?
Bad-faith retention (or a bad-faith demand) exposes the landlord to statutory damages of up to twice the deposit, in addition to actual damages (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(m)).
Start with the unpaid amount you dispute. Any additional statutory recovery depends on the conditions in Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(m), including applicable notice requirements. A multiplier that already includes the deposit should not be added to that deposit again.
Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5 ↗Put the rules to work
See how the rules fit your deposit dispute
Free analysis
Add the refund, charges and records. Review the deductions and possible remedies with an explanation tied to your facts.
Full case package $29-$49
Turn your case into a demand letter, organized exhibits and a next-step plan. Review the analysis before deciding to buy.
Your entered dates and deposit amount carry forward. Additional timing details are saved in case notes. The next step asks for the refund and charges so you can build on this check.
Choose your next step
Small-claims limit: $12,500. Filing: $30-$75 by claim size ($100 for frequent filers). The court guide explains the applicable limits and additional costs.
Questions about California deposit rights
How long does a California landlord have to return a security deposit?
21 days after move-out to return the deposit or send an itemized statement.
Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5 ↗See the timing rules →What happens if my landlord does not follow the deposit return rules in California?
Missing the 21-day deadline costs the landlord the statutory right to withhold; bad-faith noncompliance forfeits the right to claim any portion of the deposit (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(h)(7)), and the tenant may sue for the full amount plus up to a 2x penalty. Keep proof of the dates, any refund, and the itemized statement.
Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5 ↗Understand the possible recovery →What accounting should I ask for in California?
Itemized statement generally due within 21 days. Supporting repair and cleaning cost records are subject to the aggregate $125 exception, valid waivers, good-faith estimates and subsequent document requests in section 1950.5(h)(2)-(5). Repair and cleaning documentation is subject to Civil Code 1950.5(h)(2)-(5). The $125 exception concerns aggregate repair and cleaning deductions, not each charge. Written waivers, good-faith estimates and later tenant requests have separate rules.
Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5 ↗