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Is there a document template for getting your rental deposit back in California?

21 days have passed. No itemized listing was given. Legally entitled to full refund of deposit. Is there a good self help template out there from Nolo or someone with some good legal wording to mention in a letter explaining the law. Thanx ahead.

Public Comments

1. I don't know of any places on the WWW that would have a template like that but I would definitely advise talking to a lawyer first because a template might have unseen loopholes that may not get what you want.
2. All you need is your original contract and write a letter to your landlord saying your fulfilled any conditions and would like your deposit of $amount returned to this address (give address). More communications might be all you need. 21 days is not that long when someone is busy. It could just be a simple oversight.
3. if they have not sent an accounting by now no letter is going to make them, you need to file in small claims to ensure you get your whole deposit back
4. How about calling them first and asking? Maybe they didn't have your new address and the forwarding is taking some time. Or, you can send something like this: Dear , It has been more than 21 days since I returned the keys to the house/apartment located at _________________. Please send an accounting of my deposit reconcilation along with my check to the following address: <insert name and address here> As I'm sure you are aware, state law provides that landlords return deposits or submit an itemized list of deductions to the tenant within 21 days of returning possession/lease end. The penalty for failing to return security deposit monies within the required time frame is forfeiture of any deposit deductions. Please refer to http://www.dca.ca.gov/legal/landlordbook/sec-deposit.htm I trust you will advise me of the status of the deposit and if you have not already done so, will send it immediately. Sincerely, That might work. You can also check the additional links on the link above to see if there are any templates available. Good luck!
5. Yes there is. You can find it here: http://www.dca.ca.gov/legal/landlordbook/sec-deposit.htm If he has gone past twenty one days he has lost the right to withhold ANY of your deposit. Send a demand letter immediately. If there is no response you can file a small claims action for your deposit plus two times the deposit in statutory bad faith damages as allowed by law.