California · Simple Property Tools
California security deposit packet checklist · small landlords
Itemize withholds, date surrender, and export before the return clock wins. Twenty-one days after vacate punishes operators who wait for every contractor invoice before writing withhold lines.
- Return default
- 21 days from surrender (keys back · unit vacant)
- Statute label
- Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5
- Practice
- One line per withhold · dated photos · proof of mail when you send balance
Before you print or email
- Log surrender the day possession returns, not the lease end date on paper alone.
- Match move-in notes to move-out withhold descriptions.
- Archive the PDF export and tracking number in operator logs.
When something already went wrong, start with our California operator pain guide.
Not legal advice. Confirm ordinances and lease terms with counsel.