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Free letter · California · updated 2026

California Security Deposit Return Letter (Itemized Statement)

The itemized statement California requires when you keep any part of a deposit — due within 21 days under Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5 — generated from the deposit settlement in your ledger, with every deduction, the refund and the statute already in it.

Free forever · emailed with a delivery record · reviewed against California Civil Code § 1950.5 and related landlord-tenant sections
21 daysReturn deadline21 days after the tenant moves out
1 month’s rentMaximum depositOne month’s rent (two months for a landlord with no more tha...
NoInterest owedNo statewide requirement; some cities (e.g. San Francisco, B...
RequiredItemized statementRequired, with receipts or invoices for any deduction of $12...

What applies to your California move-out?

Pick the situation; the rule on each card is California's statutory minimum — your lease can be more generous to the tenant, never less.

21days
Deductions takenSend the itemized list and the balance within 21 days. Normal wear and tear is never deductible; unpaid rent, damage beyond wear, and charges the lease allows are.Generated in-app from the settlement
21days
Full refundNo deductions to list, but the refund itself is still due within the same period. The statement is your proof of the date.Generated in-app from the settlement
Still due
No forwarding addressCalifornia does not pause the clock for a missing address: send to the last known address and keep proof of the attempt.Reference
No
Interest on the depositCalifornia does not require interest on a residential deposit — the amount returned is the amount held, less deductions.Reference

What a California deposit statement must contain

Tenant name(s) and the rental addressPlus the date the tenant surrendered the premises — that is when the 21 days start.
The deposit held, including pet depositsThe full amount received at move-in, so the math adds up from the tenant's side.
Each deduction, described and priced"Damage" is not enough; "carpet replacement, bedroom 2, tenant-caused stain — $240" is. California requires receipts or invoices with the deductions.Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5
The balance refunded (or owed)If deductions exceed the deposit, the statement doubles as the demand for the difference.
Sent to the forwarding address, on timeMail it to the address the tenant gave; keep the date and the method. 21 days after the tenant moves out.
Landlord signature and dateAnd a copy on file with the lease — the court asks for it if the tenant sues.auto-logged

How it works

1 · Settle the depositAccounting → Deposit Disposition → Settle. Deposit held is pulled from the lease; add each deduction with a description and amount.
2 · Review the statementThe California deadline, the statute and the deduction list are filled in. Add the forwarding address and receipts.
3 · Send and keep the recordEmailed to the tenant and downloadable for mailing; date, method and the PDF are logged with the tenant — the ledger posts the refund at the same time.

California deposit return FAQ

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

21 days after the tenant moves out (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5).

What can I deduct from the deposit in California?

Unpaid rent and charges the lease allows, and damage beyond normal wear and tear. Not routine cleaning, repainting, or carpet wear from ordinary use. Each deduction must be itemized with receipts.

Is there a limit on the deposit in California?

Yes: One month’s rent (two months for a landlord with no more than two properties and four units, AB 12).

Do I owe interest on the deposit?

No statewide requirement; some cities (e.g. San Francisco, Berkeley) require it.

What if the deductions are more than the deposit?

The statement shows the balance owed and the tenant is liable for it. The in-app settlement posts the difference to accounts receivable so it is not forgotten.

Settle the deposit and send the California statement in one step

Deductions, refund, deadline and the statute filled in from your ledger. Free.

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Deadlines and rules are California's statutory minimums as of 2026, reviewed against California Civil Code § 1950.5 and related landlord-tenant sections. General information for landlords, not legal advice; local ordinances can add requirements.