Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

Re: Commercial Security Deposit Refund

Landlord has maximum of 21 days to refund deposit.

There are only 3 areas where a landlord can deduct:(1) unpaid rent;(2)damages done by you or your "guests";(3) for cleaning, but only if the premises was not as clean when you left as when you moved in. Note also that the landlord is responsible for ordinary wear and tear.

More good news: the landlord could be forced to pay a "penalty" of $600.00 directly to you, if Judge feels landlord acted in "bad faith".

I can't help with the referral. Write landlord a certified letter, return receipt requested, and demand the deposit.

If you don't hear with a few days, you need to retain an attorney, at least to write the landlord a threatening letter. Most attorneys will do this very reasonably, and charge you for half an hour of their time.

If you need more, please feel free to e-mail, or call, my office.

Re: Commercial Security Deposit Refund

You should follow Mr. Bennett's advice on this matter.