Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

The answer to that question does not depend on your reason for your move, but rather if you move out with unpaid rent, or damage to the premises above ordinary wear and tear. The reasons that a landlord can withhold and make deductions from your security deposit are set forth in Civil Code section 1950.5. In fact I suggest that you read the entire section as a tenant, or a landlord, because it governs the return of security deposits in residential leases.