Security Deposit Not Returned in Los Angeles: What Can I Do?

This is not legal advice. We explain what the law says. We cannot tell you what to do in your situation. For that, talk to a lawyer. Find free legal and rent help in Los Angeles.

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California limits security deposits and gives your landlord 21 days to return yours. Los Angeles adds yearly interest for rent stabilized units. This page covers the limits, the deadlines, and what to do when your landlord keeps your money. For more detail, see the California security deposit guide.

  1. Most landlords can charge at most 1 month of rent as a security deposit. A small landlord who owns no more than 2 rental properties with up to 4 units total can charge up to 2 months.

    California Legislative Information Civil Code § 1950.5(c)(5)

  2. The landlord can only take money out of your deposit for unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear (use over time), and needed cleaning. Normal wear and tear is never your bill.

    California Legislative Information Civil Code § 1950.5(e)(2)(A)

  3. Before you move out, you can ask for a walk through inspection. The landlord must tell you in writing that you have this right. The inspection happens no earlier than 2 weeks before your lease ends. It gives you a chance to fix problems it finds, so the landlord does not take money out of your deposit for them.

    California Legislative Information Civil Code § 1950.5(f)(1)

  4. The landlord must take photos of the home after you leave and before any repairs. For rentals that start July 1, 2025 or later, move-in photos are required too. Take your own photos on both days.

    California Legislative Information Civil Code § 1950.5(g)(1)

  5. The landlord has 21 calendar days after you move out to act. By then you must get your refund plus a list of what was taken out of your deposit and why.

    California Legislative Information Civil Code § 1950.5(h)(1)

  6. If the amount taken out of your deposit totals more than $125, the landlord must send proof. Proof means the repair bills, invoices (a bill for work done), or receipts.

    California Legislative Information Civil Code § 1950.5(h)(2)(B)

  7. A court can punish a landlord who keeps your deposit dishonestly. The penalty is up to 2 times the deposit, on top of your actual losses. For example, 2 times a $1,000 deposit is $2,000.

    California Legislative Information Civil Code § 1950.5(m)

  8. You can sue for your deposit in small claims court. You do not need a lawyer there, and the landlord must prove that what was taken out of your deposit was fair. You get this money only if you win your case and your landlord pays.

    RenterLaw editorial California Legislative Information Civil Code § 1950.5(o)

  9. In a Los Angeles home under the Rent Stabilization Ordinance, the landlord owes you yearly interest on a deposit held at least 1 year. If the landlord does not pay the interest, you can sue for it in small claims court.

    City of Los Angeles LAMC § 151.06.02(G)

  10. Call the Los Angeles Housing Department at 1-866-557-7368 with questions. You can also file a complaint about a unit under the Rent Stabilization Ordinance.

    Los Angeles Housing Department File a Complaint

Published by Nazanin · September 24, 2026 · sources checked October 5, 2026

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