Landlord & Tenant Laws in California.

If deductions are taken, California generally requires an itemized statement and, in many cases, supporting documentation such as receipts or good-faith estimates within the 21-day deadline.

California regulates residential security deposits through Civil Code section 1950.5, including what a landlord may deduct, the documentation required for repairs, and the deadline for returning the balance and an itemized statement after the tenant vacates.

In California, a landlord generally must return any remaining security deposit and provide an itemized statement of deductions within 21 calendar days after the tenant vacates the premises.