SECURITY DEPOSIT DEMAND LETTER – CALIFORNIA

Date: [DATE]

To: [LANDLORD NAME]
[ADDRESS]

From: [TENANT NAME]
[FORWARDING ADDRESS]

Re: Demand for Return of Security Deposit – [PROPERTY ADDRESS]

PRE-LITIGATION DEMAND

Dear [Landlord Name]:

I vacated the premises at [ADDRESS] on [DATE].

Under California Civil Code § 1950.5(g), you were required to provide an itemized statement of deductions and refund the remaining security deposit within 21 calendar days after I vacated.

It has been more than 21 days, and I have not received my refund or itemization. As such, you have forfeited the right to deduct any amount from my deposit of $[AMOUNT] (Granberry v. Islay Investments).

BAD FAITH STATUTORY DAMAGES

Civil Code § 1950.5(l) provides that a landlord who retains a security deposit in bad faith may be liable for statutory damages of up to twice the amount of the security, in addition to actual damages.

DEMAND

I demand the immediate return of my full deposit of $[AMOUNT]. If allowed to proceed to Small Claims Court, I will seek the full deposit plus $[2x AMOUNT] in punitive damages, for a total of $[TOTAL].

Please remit payment within 10 days.

Sincerely,

[TENANT NAME]