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    California Security Deposit Return Letter

    Landlords must return the deposit, with an itemized statement of any deductions, no later than 21 calendar days after the tenant vacates (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(h)(1)). The security deposit return letter below is preset for California: fill in your details, then print it or save it as a PDF.

    State rules last verified: · Researched and cited by MakeLease · not yet attorney-reviewed

    California rules for a security deposit return letter

    Deadline to return the security deposit
    21 days after move-out Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(h)(1), (h)(3)
    Itemized list of deductions
    Required Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(g), (h)(1)–(h)(5)
    Penalty for a late or improper return
    Up to twice the amount of the security deposit in statutory damages, plus actual damages, for bad-faith retention; a landlord who in bad faith fails to comply with the return/itemization rules forfeits the right to keep any of the deposit Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(h)(7), (m)

    Security Deposit Return Letter generator

    State and dates

    California: Landlords must return the deposit, with an itemized statement of any deductions, no later than 21 calendar days after the tenant vacates (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(h)(1)).

    The day the tenant moved out and returned the keys.

    Deadline under California's main rule: November 21, 2026 (21 calendar days after the move-out date, October 31, 2026). Read the state rule above for conditions that change it.

    Parties

    Everyone named on the lease. Separate names with commas.

    Where you are sending this letter and any refund. Use the address the tenant gave you in writing.

    Deposit

    $
    $

    Only if your state, city or lease requires interest on deposits. Leave empty otherwise.

    Itemized deductions

    One line per charge: what it is for and the amount. Unused lines are left out. California: Landlords must always send an itemized statement of deductions, and must attach copies of invoices or receipts plus the required photographs for repair or cleaning deductions unless those deductions total $125 or less or the tenant signed a valid waiver (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(g), (h)(1)–(h)(4)).

    $
    $
    $
    $
    $
    $

    Several states require supporting documents for repair or cleaning charges. Attach them when you have them.

    Refund or balance

    For example, a note that an estimate will be followed by the final invoice.

    Blank PDF

    Free, no account needed. Showing example details. Replace them with yours.

    Security Deposit Return Letter

    Itemized statement of deductions

    Date:November 12, 2026
    Rental property:123 Maple Street, Unit 4, Springfield
    To (former tenants):Alex Morgan, Sam Rivera
    Forwarding address:88 Birch Road, Apt 2, Shelbyville
    From (landlord):Jordan Ellis, 500 Oak Avenue, Springfield
    Move-out date:October 31, 2026

    Dear Alex Morgan, Sam Rivera:

    This letter accounts for the security deposit you paid for 123 Maple Street, Unit 4, Springfield. You moved out on October 31, 2026. Below is an itemized list of each amount deducted from the deposit and the reason for it, followed by the balance.

    Itemized deductions

    No.Description of chargeAmount
    1Patch and paint hole in bedroom wall$180.00
    2Replace broken bathroom mirror$95.50
    3Remove furniture and trash left in garage$150.00
    Total deductions$425.50

    Deposit accounting

    ItemAmount
    Security deposit received$1,800.00
    Less total deductions- $425.50
    Amount refunded to tenant$1,374.50

    The refund of $1,374.50 is enclosed or sent with this letter by check no. 1043 on November 12, 2026.

    Copies of receipts, invoices or estimates supporting the deductions are enclosed.

    If you have questions about any deduction, contact Jordan Ellis at (555) 010-2030.

    Deposit return rules for California: Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(h)(1), (h)(3).
    Landlord or agent signature (Jordan Ellis)
    Date

    Made free at make.lease/forms/security-deposit-return-letter

    What California requires

    Deadline to return the security deposit

    Landlords must return the deposit, with an itemized statement of any deductions, no later than 21 calendar days after the tenant vacates (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(h)(1)).

    Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(h)(1), (h)(3) · checked October 26, 2026

    Itemized list of deductions

    Landlords must always send an itemized statement of deductions, and must attach copies of invoices or receipts plus the required photographs for repair or cleaning deductions unless those deductions total $125 or less or the tenant signed a valid waiver (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(g), (h)(1)–(h)(4)).

    Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(g), (h)(1)–(h)(5) · checked October 26, 2026

    Penalty for a late or improper return

    A landlord who retains a deposit in bad faith may owe the tenant up to twice the deposit in statutory damages plus actual damages, and bears the burden of proving deductions were reasonable (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(h)(7), (m)).

    Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(h)(7), (m) · checked October 26, 2026

    If move-out falls on October 31, 2026, 21 calendar days later is November 21, 2026. The form computes this deadline from the dates you enter and shows it under the letter date.

    City and county rules can be stricter than state law, and your lease can require more than the statute does. Use whichever rule gives the tenant more time or protection.

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