California Security Deposit Itemization Letter Template
What a California security deposit itemization letter must include under California law, and a fill-in draft that follows those rules.
What California law requires
Within 21 days after move-out, the landlord must give an itemized statement showing the basis for and amount of any deposit kept, and return the balance. For repair and cleaning deductions, it must include: for work by the landlord or an employee, a description of the work with the time spent and hourly rate; for outside work, a copy of the bill, invoice, or receipt, plus the vendor's name, address, and phone number if those are not on it; and receipts for materials. Since April 1, 2025, it must also include move-out photographs and post-repair photographs, with a written explanation of costs. If work cannot be finished within 21 days, the landlord may deduct a good-faith estimate and must send the documents within 14 days of completion. The documentation is not required when repair and cleaning deductions total $125 or less, or the tenant validly waived it, but the tenant can still request it within 14 days. The statement goes by personal delivery or first-class mail, or by email if agreed, to the address the tenant provided, or to the vacated unit if none. Since January 1, 2026 (AB 414), a refund must be made electronically if the tenant paid the deposit or rent electronically, unless the parties agree otherwise in writing. For multiple adult tenants, a single check payable to all is required unless they agree otherwise. A bad-faith failure to comply forfeits the landlord's right to keep any of the deposit.
Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(g), (h)(1)-(7) (as amended by AB 414, Stats. 2025, ch. 340)
Fill-in draft
Replace every [bracketed] item. If your state or city requires specific wording, a specific form, or a translated version, that requirement controls over this draft. Courts dismiss eviction cases over defective notices — if anything is unclear, talk to a lawyer.
STATEMENT OF SECURITY DEPOSIT DEDUCTIONS
To: [former tenant name(s)], at [forwarding address]
Premises: [street address, unit]
Tenancy ended / possession returned on: [date]
Deposit held: $[amount] Interest (if required): $[amount]
Deductions (itemized): [item — reason — cost], [item — reason — cost]
Amount returned: $[amount], sent by [method] on [date]. This statement is provided under Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(h)(1).
Date: [date]
Landlord or agent: [name, address, phone]
Signature: ____________________
Proof of delivery: Delivered on [date] by [method required by California law] by [name].
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General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.