How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in California?

In California, the security deposit and an itemized statement of any deductions are generally due within 21 days of the tenant moving out (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5). Missing the deadline can forfeit the right to withhold and expose the landlord to added damages. Confirm the current statute for your situation.

Do deductions have to be itemized?

Yes — in nearly every state a landlord must provide an itemized statement listing each deduction, not a vague lump sum. This generator lists each deduction on its own line with an amount and does the refund math.

Is the letter generator free?

Yes — free, no signup. It itemizes deductions, does the refund math, cites the state deadline, and can email the PDF so the timestamp documents timely delivery.

Free tool · No signup · Pre-set for California

California Security Deposit Return Law & Letter

In California, the deposit and an itemized statement are generally due within 21 days of the tenant moving out (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5). Build the letter below — deductions listed line by line and the refund math done.

Start your California letter →

Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5 — the deadline to return the deposit and send the itemized statement

California provides for the deposit’s return within 21 days of the tenant moving out (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5). 21 days is on the short side — 2 of the 26 states verified here allow less time, and 20 allow more.

Tenancy ends	Letter must be sent by
January 31, 2026	February 21, 2026
April 15, 2026	May 6, 2026
July 31, 2026	August 21, 2026
November 30, 2026	December 21, 2026

What the California letter has to contain

Every deduction on its own line. California requires an itemized statement rather than a lump sum (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5).
Receipts above $125. California generally requires receipts or invoices for repair and cleaning charges over that figure.
The arithmetic, shown. Deposit held, each deduction, and the balance refunded or still owed — so nothing has to be taken on trust.
Where the refund went. The forwarding address you sent it to, and how.

Proving you sent it in time

The deadline is about when the letter left, and in a dispute that is the fact in question. Email gives you a timestamp for nothing; certified mail gives you a receipt. Either beats posting it second class and hoping. Whatever you use, keep the copy you sent — a California deadline you met but cannot evidence is not much better than one you missed.

Write the California letter →

Working out what you can defensibly deduct is a separate job from writing the letter — that lives on the California deduction page, which prorates each item by its remaining useful life.

Other states: Colorado · Connecticut · Florida · All states

California rule last checked 2026-07-23 against Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5. General information, not legal advice — verify the current statute before you rely on it.

Everything else we’ve researched about California

Same state, the problems either side of this one. Each carries its own statute and the date we last checked it.