What Is the California Law on the Return of Rent Deposits?
Laws are in place in California to protect renters when they enter into a contract with a landlord to rent an apartment.
At the end of the contract, sometimes deductions are taken from the deposit, the laws prevent unfair deductions.
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Purpose
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The laws ensure landlords do not overcharge tenants when taking security deposits; deductions must taken for legal reasons only.
Deductions cannot be taken for things such as wear and tear. When a tenant moves out, they have a right to an itemized list of all deductions.
Time Frame
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After a tenant moves out of an apartment, the landlord must return the deposit or provide the renter with an itemized bill of deductions within 21 days.
If the landlord does not follow these rules, the tenant has the right to take the property owner to small claims court to retrieve money lost.
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Considerations
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All deposits paid to a landlord are refundable. Landlords can only charge twice the monthly rent for an unfurnished apartment and three times the monthly rent for a furnished apartment.
A tenant must be given the opportunity to fix any damaged furniture before fees are deducted from the deposit.
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References
- Photo Credit apartment for rent image by dead_account from Fotolia.com
