California Landlord-Tenant Compliance (CA)
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California Security Deposit Return Deadline & Late Fee Calculator (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5)
Under California Civil Code § 1950.5, no later than 21 calendar days after the tenant has vacated the premises, the landlord must furnish the tenant with an itemized written statement showing any deductions from the security deposit, return any remaining portion of the deposit, and include copies of invoices or receipts if deductions exceed $125.
Statutory Return / Claim Window
21d Return / 21d Claim
Calendar days post-surrender
Late Fee Cap & Grace Period
Reasonable liquidated administrative cost (~5%–6% benchmark)
Grace Period: 0 days
Security Deposit Limit
Maximum 1 month's rent (small-landlord 2x exception if qualified)
Quick California Security Deposit Postmark Deadline Calculator
Mandatory Postmark Deadline:
2026-12-15
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