Subject to the statutory exceptions in Civil Code § 1950.5(c).
Generally measured after the tenant vacates the premises.
The statutory inspection window begins no earlier than two weeks before the tenancy ends.
California added pre-work and post-work photo requirements beginning April 1, 2025.
California charge guides
These pages are indexed because the legal layer has been checked against primary or official California sources. Each guide shows its source list and review date.
Security Deposit
California security deposit limits, lawful deductions, photographs, receipts and the 21-day return rule, based on Civil Code § 1950.5.
Open guide →21-Day Deposit Deadline
Calculate and understand California’s 21-calendar-day security deposit return and itemization deadline after move-out.
Open guide →Move-Out Charges
Review California move-out charges for damage, cleaning, carpet, painting and other deductions under Civil Code § 1950.5.
Open guide →Carpet Replacement
Understand California carpet replacement and carpet-cleaning deductions, normal wear and useful-life guidance.
Open guide →Painting Charges
California move-out painting deductions, normal wall wear and the DRE’s practical paint-life guidance.
Open guide →Cleaning Fees
California move-out cleaning deductions, professional cleaning rules, receipts and photo requirements.
Open guide →Move-Out Inspection
California initial move-out inspection timing, notice, itemization and photo rules under Civil Code § 1950.5.
Open guide →Utility Billing
California apartment utility billing: submetered water disclosures, allowed bill components, and what to review with RUBS or master-meter charges.
Open guide →How we handle California legal information
We separate statutory rules from practical agency guidance. For example, the Department of Real Estate discusses useful-life approaches for carpet and painting, but expressly describes those deduction examples as practical guidance rather than hard-and-fast legal formulas. RentBillCheck labels that distinction instead of presenting the examples as statutes.
Core official sources
Primary law for residential security deposits, deductions, inspections, photographs and return/accounting requirements.
California Department of Real EstateCalifornia Tenants Guide — Moving Out ↗Official practical guidance on deductions, normal wear, carpet, painting, cleaning and inspections.
California Courts — Self-Help GuideGuide to security deposits in California ↗Official court self-help overview of deductions, the 21-day rule, documents and dispute options.
California Department of Justice — Attorney GeneralKnow Your Rights: Security Deposits ↗Consumer guidance from the California Attorney General on lawful uses of deposits and move-out rights.