When Must a San Francisco Landlord Return Your Deposit?
Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5, landlords in San Francisco must return your security deposit — along with an itemized statement of deductions — within 21 days of your tenancy ending. Missing this deadline triggers a penalty of 2× deposit.
In a competitive rental market like San Francisco, landlords sometimes improperly withhold deposits to cover turnover costs. Knowing the law is your biggest advantage.
Legal vs. Illegal Deductions in San Francisco
- ✅ Legal: Unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear, lease-authorized cleaning
- ❌ Illegal: Normal carpet wear, paint touch-ups, pre-existing damage, routine maintenance, personal property
If your San Francisco landlord deducts for illegal items, include the disputed amounts in your demand letter and cite Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5.
Step-by-Step: Get Your San Francisco Security Deposit Back
- Calculate the deadline — count 21 days from your official move-out date.
- Document everything — move-out photos, timestamped videos, move-out inspection report.
- Send a demand letter — cite Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5, state the exact amount owed plus any penalty. Send certified mail.
- Give 14 days to respond — most San Francisco landlords comply after receiving a legally-cited letter.
- File in small claims — if no response, file in California small claims court. Maximum limit varies by county in San Francisco.