CA · Security Deposit Law
Security deposit laws in California
21 calendar days; bad-faith withholding can lead to twice the deposit in statutory damages.
Return deadline
21 days
Itemization required
Yes
Bad-faith multiplier
2×
What to do if your California landlord won't return your deposit
- Confirm the 21-day window has passed since you provided a forwarding address.
- Document the unit's move-out condition with photos and any walk-through notes.
- Send a formal demand letter citing California's deposit return deadline and statutory damages.
- If the landlord ignores your demand, file in small claims court — California allows up to 2x damages for wrongful withholding.