Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

Return of Security Deposit

I moved out of our rental house and the 21-days period for the return of my deposit came and I never received anything. I called the landlord but he didn't contact me until the next day. He ended up sending a portion of my deposit with and itemized statement 5 days after the 21-day period. There were no receipts included and I do not agree with his deductions. I sent him a certified letter explaining my disagreement and a week has gone by without him contacting me. What should I do? Can I get the full security deposit because he went passed the 21 day law? I heard I can sue him for 2X the amount of the deposit plus damages, is that true?


Asked on 5/15/09, 1:55 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
David Gibbs The Gibbs Law Firm, APC

Re: Return of Security Deposit

Read California Civil Code � 1950.5 to determine what damages are avaialble to you. Yes, you should take the landlord to small claims court now, and demand the maximum that 1950.5 allows you to claim.

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Answered on 5/15/09, 2:57 pm


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