California · CA · updated 2026
In California, a landlord must return a security deposit within 21 calendar days
Quick answer
A California landlord has 21 calendar days after you move out to return your deposit or send an itemized list of deductions. Miss it in bad faith and the landlord can end up owing you more than the deposit itself.
Under California security deposit law, a California landlord has 21 calendar days to return your security deposit, counted from when you move out. By statute, the deposit is capped at 1 month's rent. If the landlord misses the deadline or keeps money you are owed, you can push back in writing and, if needed, in small claims court.
- Return deadline
- 21 calendar days
- Deadline counted from
- you move out
- Itemized statement
- Required
- Move-in condition list
- Not required by statute
- Maximum deposit
- 1 month's rent
- Interest on deposit
- Not required
Calculate your exact California deadline
Enter your move-out date to see the exact calendar date the deadline lands on. It runs on your device, so nothing you type is uploaded.
What a California landlord can deduct
- Unpaid rent and unpaid utilities you owe under the lease
- Repair of damage beyond ordinary wear and tear (not normal aging, fading, or minor marks)
- An itemized written statement of every deduction (California requires it, so ask for it in writing)
If the landlord withholds in bad faith
Statutory damages of up to twice the deposit amount, in addition to actual damages, for bad-faith claim or retention.
How to get your deposit back in California
- Document the unit's condition at move-out with dated photos of every room (a move-in / move-out checklist keeps it organized).
- Confirm your exact return deadline with the deadline calculator.
- If the deadline passes, send a written demand letter citing the statute and the amount owed.
- If it is still ignored, you can file in small claims court.
Common California deposit disputes
- The deadline passed and you have heard nothing
- Send a written demand letter citing the statute and the amount owed. Keep proof you sent it.
- You got money back but disagree with the deductions
- California requires an itemized statement, so ask for it in writing first, then dispute anything charged as ordinary wear and tear.
- You are still deciding whether the case is worth it
- Confirm the exact deadline below, gather your dated move-out photos, and read the penalty your state allows before you commit.
Frequently asked
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in California?
- In California, a landlord must return a security deposit within 21 calendar days.
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in California?
- California caps the security deposit at 1 month's rent.
- Can my California landlord keep my deposit for cleaning or normal wear?
- Deductions are generally limited to unpaid rent and damage beyond ordinary wear and tear. California requires the landlord to give an itemized statement of deductions.
- Does a California landlord have to pay interest on my deposit?
- No. California does not require the landlord to pay interest on the security deposit.
- What if my California landlord wrongfully keeps my deposit?
- Statutory damages of up to twice the deposit amount, in addition to actual damages, for bad-faith claim or retention.
AB 12 (eff. 7/1/2024) capped most deposits at 1 month's rent. Qualifying small landlords (natural person/LLC owning ≤2 properties, ≤4 units) may still charge 2 months, except for servicemember tenants (always 1 month). No statewide interest requirement.