California renter guide

California gives landlords 21 days.

After you vacate, a California landlord generally has 21 calendar days to return what remains of your security deposit and provide an itemized statement.

Reviewed September 26, 2026 · California Civil Code § 1950.5

What must the landlord send?

The itemized statement must show the basis and amount of the deposit and how it was used. A landlord may deduct only amounts reasonably needed for purposes the law allows. Ordinary wear and tear is not deductible from the security deposit.

When repair work or its supporting documents are not ready by the deadline, a landlord may use a good-faith estimate. The completed accounting and available documents are generally due within 14 calendar days after the repair is completed or the documents arrive.

When can repair receipts arrive later?

For repair and cleaning charges totaling $125 or less, the law may not require supporting documents to be sent with the itemization automatically. You can request those documents within 14 calendar days after receiving the itemized statement; the landlord then generally has 14 calendar days to provide them.

What about move-in and move-out photos?

For tenancies beginning on or after July 1, 2025, California law requires the landlord to photograph the unit immediately before or at the start of the tenancy. The law also requires photos after the unit is returned and after covered repair or cleaning work, beginning April 1, 2025.

What if the landlord acts in bad faith?

A bad-faith claim or retention of a deposit in violation of the statute may lead to statutory damages of up to twice the amount of the deposit, in addition to actual damages. “Up to” is a maximum in the law, not a predicted award. A court decides whether bad faith and damages are established.

Check your dates

Recoup calculates 21 calendar days from your move-out date and links the rule fields to the current statute. It does not review photographs, decide whether a deduction is valid, or predict recovery.

This page gives general legal information, not legal advice. Local rules and specific facts may change your options. Consider contacting a California attorney or tenant resource for advice.

Read California Civil Code § 1950.5 at the state legislature ↗