When a California residential tenancy ends, landlords commonly must return the security deposit or provide a written itemization of deductions within a short period. This page offers a guided sample security deposit itemization statement for California landlords (and a clear reference for tenants). It is a sample template pending attorney review — not legal advice and not a finding that your deductions are lawful.
Who it is for. Landlords preparing a post-move-out accounting, small property managers documenting cleaning or repair charges, and tenants who want to see how an itemized statement is often structured. It focuses on residential security deposits, not commercial leases or last-month rent held under different labels.
California rules in general terms. Civil Code section 1950.5 is the core statewide statute many people associate with residential security deposits. Themes include returning the balance and an itemized statement within about 21 days after the tenant vacates (timing details can matter), limiting deductions to unpaid rent, repairs for damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, and cleaning needed to return the unit to the cleanliness at the start of the tenancy, and documenting costs with invoices or estimates in many situations. Deposit amount caps at the start of a tenancy and bad-faith retention remedies are also part of the broader conversation. Local ordinances can add rules. This page does not calculate your deadline from a move-out date or decide whether a charge is wear and tear versus damage.
What is included. Fields for parties, unit address, deposit received, move-out date, line-item deductions, amounts returned, and mailing notes. The sample document presents a clear accounting table, totals, signature/certification area, and general deadline reminders in plain language. EN/ES guided flow; English controls if both versions exist.
How to use it. Fill the wizard, preview the statement, and pay $9 one-time via Stripe for the download. Attach receipts when appropriate and consult counsel if you expect a deposit lawsuit or tenant claim.
Photograph the unit at move-in and move-out when practical, and match deductions to documented conditions. Mail or deliver the statement using a method that creates a record. Tenants who disagree should still receive a clear accounting even while a dispute continues. This page is general information only.
CaliFormas is not a law firm. This page provides general information only.
Before you start
- Original deposit amount and any prior partial returns
- Move-out date / date possession was returned
- Tenant forwarding address
- Itemized deduction list with amounts and reasons
- Invoices, receipts, or estimates for repairs / cleaning
- Move-in and move-out condition notes or photos (for your records)
What you get
- Filled sample document you can preview before paying
- Download as PDF and Microsoft Word (DOCX)
- Bilingual English / Spanish questionnaire and document options
- Short instructions cover with the sample (pending attorney review)
- One-time Stripe checkout — no subscription