Landlord keeping your deposit? Refusing repairs? California has strong tenant protections. Calculate what you're owed and generate professional demand letters.
Calculate what your landlord owes you under California law
Calculate deposit + bad faith penalty under Civ. Code 1950.5
Calculate recovery for rent control violations (AB 1482)
Key protections and deadlines under California law
| Right | Law | Landlord Obligation | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Deposit | Civ. Code 1950.5 | Return within 21 days + itemized statement | Up to 2x deposit in bad faith |
| Habitability | Civ. Code 1941, 1942 | Maintain habitable conditions (heat, water, etc.) | Rent withholding, repair & deduct |
| Illegal Lockout | Civ. Code 789.3 | Must use legal eviction process only | $100/day + actual damages |
| Rent Control (AB 1482) | Civ. Code 1946.2 | Max increase 5% + CPI (10% cap) | Refund + potential penalties |
| Just Cause Eviction | Civ. Code 1946.2 | Valid reason required after 12 months | 1 month rent relocation in some cases |
| Mold/Pest | Health & Safety 17920.3 | Remediate mold, infestations | Rent reduction, damages |
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