ReclaimDepositCalifornia Security Deposit Laws (2026)
Key rules for deadlines, penalties, and documentation requirements, with direct links to the official statute.
Deadline
21 days
21 calendar days after tenant vacates premises
Penalty
2x
Up to 2x the deposit for bad faith retention
Small claims limit
$10,000
Superior Court of California, Small Claims Division
Requirements
Move-in checklistNot required
Pre move-out inspectionRequired/Available
Certified mailNot required
Forwarding addressNot required
Receipts threshold: $125
Notes
- AB 2801 (2024) requires photo documentation for deductions (effective April 2025 for move-out, July 2025 for move-in)
- Missing 21-day deadline forfeits ALL deductions - must return full deposit
- Receipts required for deductions over $125
- Local jurisdictions (SF, Oakland, LA, etc.) may require interest on deposits
Citations
Quick references pulled from our shared state law dataset. Always verify against the official statute.
- Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(g) - Landlord must return deposit within 21 days
- Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(g)(1) - Landlord must provide itemized statement
- Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(g)(2) - Landlord must provide receipts for repairs over $125
- Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(e) - Landlord cannot charge for normal wear and tear
- Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(e) - Deductions must account for depreciation
- Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(l) - Bad faith retention may result in 2x penalty
- Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(f) - Tenant entitled to pre-move-out inspection
Next steps
Use free tools to estimate your deadline and prepare a demand letter.