Understand the statewide starting point, the facts that make it apply, and the official source behind it. Confirm current law and local requirements before acting.
For covered residential tenancies, provide the refund and any required itemized accounting within 21 calendar days after move-out. California's 2026 official tenant guide also describes photograph and receipt requirements. From January 1, 2026, if the deposit or any rent was paid digitally, return the deposit digitally unless both parties agree in writing to another method.
Use this checklist to organize the facts and documents for your review.
Read the full rules on inspections, allowable deductions, estimates and documentation exceptions. Local rules and special tenancy circumstances need separate review.
Source checked 2026-10-19. Editorial recheck due 2027-01-17. 2026 DRE guide, printed pages 76–78; digital-refund change effective January 1, 2026. This is agency guidance explaining Civil Code §1950.5, not the statute itself.
The free tools help organize amounts and supporting explanations. They do not decide whether a deduction is lawful or serve a notice for you.
Acrelio helps organize lease, deposit and move-out records. Pro electronic lease signatures include a completed audit page. Recordkeeping features support your process; they do not guarantee compliance or replace legal review.
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