California Security Deposit Law: Deadlines & Penalties

California gives landlords 21 days after a tenant moves out to either return the full security deposit or send an itemized statement explaining every deduction. Deductions are limited to unpaid rent, cleaning needed to return the unit to its move-in condition, and repair of damage beyond ordinary wear and tear.

Along with the itemized statement, the landlord generally must include copies of receipts, invoices or bills for repair and cleaning charges, and photos of the unit, unless total repair and cleaning deductions are $125 or less. If the work can't be finished within the 21 days, the landlord can send a good-faith estimate and must follow up with the documents within 14 days of completing the work.

Tenants can also ask for an initial inspection up to two weeks before moving out, which gives them a chance to fix problems the landlord points out and avoid deductions. Since mid-2024 most new deposits are capped at one month's rent, with a two-month cap for some small landlords, and landlords must photograph the unit at move-out, before repairs, and, for tenancies starting on or after July 1, 2025, at move-in.