Get your security deposit back with statutory math, not guesswork.
Check return deadlines, bad-faith penalties, and small-claims eligibility for the largest US rental markets.
California deposit calculator
Statutory math from California Civil Code Section 1950.5.
Ready to Calculate Your Rights
Enter your lease dates and deposit amounts to instantly evaluate:
- State statutory return deadline & overdue status
- Treble (3x) or double (2x) bad-faith penalty eligibility
- Small claims court limit & demand letter generation
Courts
Small Claims Court Guides
Dollar limits, official forms, and filing steps for the largest rental markets.
California Small Claims
Small Claims Division of the California Superior Court. Statewide ceiling $12,500.
View Court Guide →Texas Small Claims
Texas Justice Court / Justice of the Peace. Statewide ceiling $20,000.
View Court Guide →Florida Small Claims
Florida County Court Small Claims. Statewide ceiling $8,000.
View Court Guide →New York Small Claims
New York Small Claims Court. Statewide ceiling $10,000.
View Court Guide →Consumer Dispute Guides
Know Your Rights Before You Dispute
Step-by-step legal rules, HUD depreciation formulas, and wear-and-tear standards.
US HUD StandardNormal Wear & Tear vs. Damage
Sort scuffs, nail holes, and faded finishes from charges a landlord can legally keep.
US HUD StandardCan a Landlord Charge for Painting?
Apply the HUD 2–3 year paint life so a routine repaint is not billed at full cost.
IRS DepreciationApartment Carpet Depreciation
Use the IRS 5-to-7 year carpet life to dispute a full-price replacement deduction.
Select Your State to Calculate Statutory Deadlines
Choose your rental jurisdiction to view local civil codes, treble damages, and court limits.
California security deposit FAQ
How long does a California landlord have to return my deposit?+
California generally requires return within 21 calendar days after move-out under California Civil Code Section 1950.5. If the deadline falls on a weekend, TenantClaim rolls it to the next Monday.
What happens if the landlord keeps my deposit in bad faith?+
A landlord who in bad faith claims or retains any portion of the security may be liable for statutory damages of up to twice the amount of the security, in addition to actual damages (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(l)). Ordinary wear and tear may not be deducted.
What is the California small claims limit?+
Most tenants can file in small claims court for up to $12,500. Larger recoveries may need District or Civil Court, or a voluntary reduction of the claim.
Does the landlord have to send an itemized list?+
Yes. California requires an itemized deduction statement. Withholding money without that statement is a common unlawful deduction.