Question 1

How many days does a California landlord have to return my security deposit?

Accepted Answer

21 calendar days from the date you surrendered the unit, per Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(g). If the landlord misses that deadline or fails to send an itemized statement, you may be entitled to recover the deposit plus up to twice the amount as a statutory penalty for bad-faith retention under § 1950.5(l).

Question 2

What is the statute of limitations on a California security deposit claim?

Accepted Answer

Four years on a written lease (CCP § 337), two years on an oral lease (CCP § 339), and three years on the bad-faith statutory penalty under Civ. Code § 1950.5(l) (CCP § 338(a) governs statutory penalty claims).

Question 3

Does AB 12 change my deposit limit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As of July 1, 2024, AB 12 caps residential security deposits in California at one month's rent, with a narrow small-landlord carve-out (2 properties / 4 units). If you paid more than one month's rent as a deposit after that date and your landlord does not qualify for the carve-out, the overage itself may be unlawful.

Security Deposit Evidence Pack (California)

Your security deposit facts