Get a professional demand letter that cites California law and puts your landlord on notice — ready to print and send in minutes.
In California, your landlord has only 21 days after you move out to return your deposit or send an itemized list of deductions. If they didn't, you have the law on your side.
Three steps. No account, no calls, no legal jargon.
Answer a few quick questions: move-out date, deposit amount, what your landlord did.
You get a formal demand letter, personalized to your case and citing the exact California statute.
Mail or email it to your landlord. Most disputes settle once a landlord sees a letter that cites the law.
The law requires your landlord to return your deposit — or a written, itemized statement of any deductions — within 21 days of you moving out.
If a landlord retains a deposit in bad faith, a court may award you the actual damages plus up to two times the amount of the deposit in statutory damages.
Most landlords don't want that exposure. A letter that quotes the statute and states a clear deadline often gets your money back without ever going to court.
This is the kind of letter you'll receive — your real details go where the gray boxes are.
Re: Demand for Return of Security Deposit — 000 Maple Street, Unit 0
Dear Landlord Name,
I vacated the above premises on date and provided my forwarding address. Under California Civil Code § 1950.5(g), you were required to return my security deposit of $0,000, or provide an itemized statement of lawful deductions, within 21 calendar days. As of the date of this letter, you have done neither.
I therefore demand the return of the full deposit amount of $0,000 no later than date. Please be aware that under § 1950.5(l), a landlord who retains a deposit in bad faith may be liable for the deposit plus statutory damages of up to twice its amount…
A few dollars to recover a deposit worth hundreds or thousands.
No. MyDepositLetter is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We give you a self-help document based on the information you provide. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed California attorney.
No one honestly can. A demand letter is a proven first step that resolves many disputes without court — but the outcome depends on your landlord and your facts.
After you pay, you fill in a short form. We email your finished letter (PDF and an editable version) within one hour.
If we don't deliver your letter, you get a full refund. See our Refund Policy.
Right now this letter is built specifically for California law. More states are coming.