California security deposit demand letter
Create a California security deposit demand letter using the residential-deposit rules verified July 24, 2026. The form checks the facts that control statutory coverage, the return clock, itemization, notice, and any qualified remedy before it inserts state-law text.
What law governs a residential security deposit in California?
Civil Code § 1950.5 governs ordinary residential security deposits. The citation is used only after the factual scope questions confirm that the ordinary residential rule applies. If a material scope fact is unknown, the state citation and enhanced remedy are suppressed rather than guessed. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5.
Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5 · Verified July 24, 2026
When is a security deposit or accounting due in California?
The landlord must furnish the accounting and remaining security no later than 21 calendar days after the tenant vacates the premises. The calculator uses only the dates and events that the statute identifies as starting the clock. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5.
Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5 · Verified July 24, 2026
What itemization or documentation is required in California?
The landlord must provide an itemized statement of deductions and supporting documentation. Current law also requires specified pre-repair and post-repair photographs for covered damage/cleaning deductions, subject to statutory exceptions; documentation rules do not apply identically to every non-damage deduction. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5.
Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5 · Verified July 24, 2026
What remedy may apply if a California landlord does not comply?
Actual damages are recoverable. Bad-faith claim or retention may support statutory damages up to twice the security in addition to actual damages; bad-faith accounting noncompliance can defeat the landlord’s claim to the security. Enhanced statutory damages and deduction forfeiture depend on bad faith; the 21-day violation alone does not conclusively establish bad faith. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5.
Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5 · Verified July 24, 2026
Does California require a demand, delivery method, or prescribed form?
No special method governs the tenant’s outgoing deposit demand. Section 1950.5 regulates the landlord’s delivery of the accounting/refund. No mandatory tenant deposit-demand form or wording exists under § 1950.5. The Judicial Branch demand-letter tool is optional. Separate CLRA notice requirements remain outside product scope. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5; California Courts, Ask for the Money; Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5.
Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5 · Verified July 24, 2026
Civil Code § 1950.5 governs ordinary residential security deposits.