California Security Deposit Law: 21-Day Return Deadline & AB 12 Rules
Under California Civil Code § 1950.5, landlords must return your deposit within 21 days. Generate a formal demand letter and claim up to 2x damages.
California: 21-Day Deposit Law
Under California Civil Code § 1950.5, landlords must return your deposit within 21 days. Generate a formal demand letter and claim up to 2x damages.
Why this calculation is mathematically fair
California imposes strict statutory duties on landlords: deposits must be returned within 21 days with itemized receipts for any repair exceeding $125. Under AB 12 (effective July 1, 2024), deposit caps are limited to 1 month rent for most residential rentals.
Frequently asked questions
What is the California security deposit deadline? +
California landlords have exactly 21 calendar days from the date the tenant surrenders possession and keys to mail the full refund or an itemized disposition with repair receipts.
What are the penalties if a California landlord fails to return the deposit? +
Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(l), a tenant may recover the full deposit plus statutory damages of up to twice the deposit amount for bad-faith retention.
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Explore more Security Deposit Rights Tool scenarios
Under the NY HSTPA (GOB § 7-108), landlords must return security deposits within 14 days or forfeit all deductions. Generate an official demand letter.
Texas: 30-Day & 3x Deposit LawUnder Texas Property Code § 92.109, landlords must return deposits within 30 days. Bad-faith landlords face 3x treble damages plus $100. Send notice.
Florida: 15-Day Deposit LawUnder Florida Statute § 83.49, landlords have 15 to 30 days to return deposits or make claims. Learn your dispute deadlines and send a statutory notice.
Washington: 30-Day Deposit Return & RCW 59.18 RightsUnder RCW 59.18.280 (HB 1074), Washington landlords have 30 days to return deposits. If no signed move-in checklist exists, withholding is barred.
Massachusetts: 30-Day Rule & 3x Treble DamagesUnder M.G.L. c. 186 § 15B, Massachusetts landlords must return deposits within 30 days with interest. Violations carry mandatory 3x treble damages.
Illinois: 45-Day Deposit Law & Chicago CRLTOUnder 765 ILCS 710/1 and Chicago CRLTO § 5-12-080, landlords face strict return deadlines and 2x statutory damages for wrongful deductions.