Security-Deposit Demand Letter – California Template
California security deposit laws give your landlord exactly 21 calendar days to refund your money or send an itemised statement after you hand in the keys. If the deadline passes, Civil Code § 1950.5(l) presumes bad faith and allows you to sue for up to twice the deposit. This letter reminds the owner of that timeline, cites the law, and sets a firm follow-up date. Always attach a forwarding address and keep photos of the move-out condition to defeat bogus damage claims. Mention that you are prepared to file in small-claims court for “small claims court California security deposit not returned” if no response.
Key Law: Civil Code § 1950.5[TODAY’S DATE] RE: Security-Deposit Refund – Unit [ADDRESS] Dear [LANDLORD NAME], California Civil Code § 1950.5 requires that you either (1) return my full security deposit or (2) provide an itemized statement with receipts for any deductions within 21 calendar days after I vacated and returned the keys on [MOVE-OUT DATE]. As of today, [DAYS SINCE MOVE-OUT] days have passed. Please mail the refund (and any required documentation) to my forwarding address below within five (5) days: [FORWARDING ADDRESS] Failure to comply may result in legal action to recover the deposit plus statutory damages of up to twice the withheld amount, court costs, and interest. Sincerely, [TENANT NAME] [TENANT PHONE]
- Send by certified mail, return receipt requested.
- Keep a signed copy in your records.
- If no response, file a small-claims case for the entire amount plus penalties.
- Bring photos, lease, and the postal receipt to court.
Repair Request Letter – California Template
Under the state’s implied warranty of habitability, landlords must keep your unit “fit for occupation.” Civil Code § 1941 lists basics—potable water, heat, plumbing, weather-tight walls, secure locks—while § 1942 allows tenants to repair-and-deduct if owners drag their feet. This repair request letter documents the issue, sets a clear deadline, and opens the door to future remedies. Include photos of the defect and mention your “pre move out inspection California rights” if moving soon.
Key Law: Civil Code § 1941 / § 1942[TODAY’S DATE] RE: Habitability Repair Request – Unit [ADDRESS] Dear [LANDLORD NAME], I am writing to request prompt repairs to the following health and safety issues: • [ISSUE #1 – e.g., “Broken heater – no heat since 2/5”] • [ISSUE #2] Per Civil Code § 1941, landlords must maintain essential services. Please confirm in writing within 48 hours and schedule repairs within seven (7) days, or sooner if feasible. If no action is taken, I may exercise my rights under Civil Code § 1942, including repair-and-deduct or reasonable rent withholding until the issues are corrected. You may enter the unit with 24-hour written notice. Sincerely, [TENANT NAME] [TENANT PHONE]
- Send via certified mail and email with photos attached.
- Allow reasonable entry hours (8 a.m.–5 p.m.).
- Log every conversation in a notebook or phone note app.
- Escalate to code enforcement if repairs stall.
30-Day Notice to Vacate – California Template
Month-to-month tenants generally need to serve a 30-day notice unless they have lived in the unit for one year or more—then 60 days applies. This template uses the standard 30-day period but includes a note for longer tenancies. California Civil Code § 1946 requires the notice be in writing, state the termination date, and be served by personal delivery or certified mail. If rent is prepaid, remind the landlord how prorated rent will be handled.
Key Law: Civil Code § 1946[TODAY’S DATE] RE: 30-Day Notice of Intent to Vacate – Unit [ADDRESS] Dear [LANDLORD NAME], This letter serves as my 30-day notice to terminate the month-to-month tenancy pursuant to Civil Code § 1946. My final day of possession will be [DATE 30 DAYS AHEAD]. Please schedule the pre-move-out inspection within the final two weeks, and advise how the security deposit refund will be processed. Any prorated rent for the last month will be paid on a per diem basis through the move-out date. Forwarding Address: [FORWARDING ADDRESS] Thank you for your cooperation. Sincerely, [TENANT NAME] [TENANT PHONE]
- Count 30 days starting tomorrow; mail notice same day you date it.
- Keep proof of mailing or personal delivery.
- Request written confirmation from landlord.
- Mention 60-day rule if tenancy exceeds 12 months.
Roommate Agreement Addendum – California Template
Even when your primary lease is silent, a signed roommate addendum clarifies rent shares, chores, guest policies, and responsibility for damages. This protects everyone and limits fights over “joint and several liability.” Use the template below to document exactly who pays what and who claims the security deposit later. Attach it to the master lease, and give a copy to the landlord for the official file.
Key Law: Civil Code § 1950.5 (deposit) & § 1946.5 (lodgers)ROOMMATE AGREEMENT ADDENDUM Apartment: [ADDRESS] | Effective Date: [DATE] 1. RENT SHARE Total monthly rent is $[TOTAL]. Payments due by the 1st: • [NAME 1] – $[AMOUNT] • [NAME 2] – $[AMOUNT] 2. UTILITIES Each roommate pays one-half of water, gas, electricity, and internet within 5 days of billing. 3. SECURITY DEPOSIT A single deposit of $[DEPOSIT TOTAL] is held by landlord. Departing roommate must arrange reimbursement from remaining roommate(s); landlord will refund deposit only at end of tenancy. 4. HOUSE RULES • Quiet hours 10 p.m.–7 a.m. • Overnight guests limited to 7 nights per month unless agreed. • Shared spaces cleaned weekly on Sunday. 5. DISPUTE RESOLUTION If disagreement arises, parties will first attempt mediation before court action. Signed: _____________________ _____________________ [NAME 1] [NAME 2] DATE: ________________ DATE: ________________
- Everyone signs two copies—one for the fridge, one for records.
- Email a PDF to the landlord to avoid surprises.
- Use a roommate security deposit split California assignment when someone moves out.
Retaliation Cease & Desist Letter – California Template
Civil Code § 1942.5 bans a landlord from raising rent, threatening eviction, or shutting off utilities within 180 days after you exercise a protected right such as requesting repairs or filing a code complaint. This cease-and-desist letter sets the record straight and demands the retaliatory action stop immediately. Keep timelines clear: “Retaliatory eviction California Civil Code 1942.5” is the phrase that often convinces owners to back down.
Key Law: Civil Code § 1942.5[TODAY’S DATE] RE: Unlawful Retaliation – Demand to Cease Dear [LANDLORD NAME], On [DATE], I requested legally required repairs and/or filed a code complaint. Subsequently, on [RETALIATION DATE], you served a [RENT INCREASE/EVICTION] notice. Civil Code § 1942.5 prohibits such retaliation within 180 days of a protected activity. I demand you rescind the notice in writing within five (5) days. Failure to comply will result in legal action seeking statutory penalties, actual damages, and attorney fees. Regards, [TENANT NAME]
- Attach copies of repair letters or code complaints as proof.
- Send via certified mail; keep the receipt.
- If retaliation continues, file a decrease-in-services petition with your local rent board.
- Consider small-claims for damages if threats persist.
How to Customise & Serve Your Letter
Edit every ALL-CAPS bracket with your personal details, dates, and amounts. Double-check spelling—tiny errors can weaken credibility.
California courts prefer wet signatures. Print two copies and sign in blue or black ink for authenticity.
Certified mail (return receipt) or personal service with witness are best. Email alone rarely meets proof standards.
Snap photos of receipts, envelopes, and landlord responses. Store them in a cloud folder labeled by date.
Add calendar reminders three days before each deadline you set in the letter to prompt follow-up action.
If the landlord fails to respond, move to mediation or file in court. Bring your letter and proof bundle.
Frequently Asked Questions
More Tenant Resources
Forms & Templates
Grab eviction, rent-increase and roommate forms to stay compliant.
Notice Requirements
See exact timelines for 3-day, 30-day and 60-day notices.
Dispute Resolution
Learn negotiation and mediation tactics before heading to court.
Retaliation Guide
Spot and stop illegal retaliation after asserting your rights.
Tenant Support Organizations
Tenants Together – Statewide Hotline
California’s largest tenant-rights coalition offers a volunteer hotline covering deposit disputes, repair delays, and retaliation. Members can access workshops and template letters for free. Hotline: (888) 495-8020 — tenantstogether.org
Housing Rights Center (Los Angeles)
The HRC provides free counseling on habitability, privacy, and rent issues for LA County renters. Staff help write letters and prepare evidence packets for administrative hearings. Hotline: (800) 477-5977 — housingrightscenter.org
SF Tenants Union
Offering drop-in clinics and detailed DIY guides, SFTU specializes in San Francisco Rent Board petitions and teaches tenants how to draft compelling written notices. Donations keep services free. sftu.org
Community Mediation Services
Located across several California counties, CMS mediates roommate disputes, security-deposit conflicts, and repair standoffs in under two hours, usually free for low-income parties. cmscalifornia.org
Assert your rights in writing—copy a template above, personalise it, and keep flawless documentation.