Tenant Repair Charge Limits

Summary

California landlords must return security deposits with an itemized statement within 21 days of tenant move-out. Failure to do so forfeits their right to keep any portion of the deposit. Tenants can sue in small claims court for the return of their deposit if not provided within the stipulated time.

Full Conversation

California. Is there a statute of limitations of how long after a tenant moved out that an ex landlord can charge you for repairs? I moved out of my rental property in midJune. Because i am disabled and without help, i had to leave the place not as clean as i would have liked. Upon leaving, i told the landlord this and expected the hit on my security deposit. About two weeks after I left,I got an email from the LL saying j was not getting my deposit back, and also said there were a couple of thousands of dollars above the deposit for needed repairs. He did not, at that time, send me any documentation on what my deposit was used for. For the past three months i have been asking for the itemized list of charges against my deposit, and i had not received it. Finally, after three months and one more request, he finally sent me a list, along with two invoices that had the dates blacked out. He also pretty much hinted that if I kept pursuing this, he was going to bill me for all the repairs that the security deposit didn’t cover. Can he do this?
Did your landlord provide you with an initial inspection before you moved out? This is required under California law.

- In California, landlords must return deposits within 21 days of move-out.
- They must provide an itemized statement if deductions were made.
no
In California, landlords are required to offer an initial inspection before move-out to identify potential deductions. If this didn't happen, it could affect your case.
ok
Did you document the condition of the property when you moved out?

In California:
- Landlords can only charge for damages beyond normal wear and tear.
- If the landlord doesn't provide an itemized statement within 21 days, they forfeit the right to keep any of the deposit.
not the issue
What is the issue then?
is there a time limit of how long a lanlorf can charge for repairs afyrt a temsnt m
In California, landlords must return the tenant's security deposit, with an itemized statement of deductions, within 21 days after the tenant has moved out.
what if he doesnt?
If the landlord doesn't return the deposit within 21 days, they lose the right to keep any of it. You can sue in small claims court for its return.