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The Daily Insight

What is the California law on returning a renters deposit?

Author

Samuel Coleman

Published Feb 25, 2026

What is the California law on returning a renters deposit?

Under California law, a landlord must return the renter’s security deposit, with an itemized statement of deductions, within 21 days after the renter has surrendered the rental property to the landlord (that is, returned the keys and vacated the property).

Can you be evicted if you pay partial rent in California?

In California, a residential tenant can be evicted for paying partial rent.

How do you make sure you get your deposit back from renting?

Steps for Getting Your Security Deposit Back

  1. Read Your Lease. Go through your lease as soon as you decide to move out.
  2. Notify Your Landlord.
  3. Pay Your Last Month’s Rent.
  4. Make Small Repairs.
  5. Clean, and Clean Again.
  6. Take Your Stuff with You.
  7. Return Your Keys.
  8. Follow Up.

Can you get your deposit back if you leave early?

Unless the tenant can prove that he or she had the landlord’s consent to end the agreement early, the tenant may have difficulties getting the deposit back. Landlords may have a legitimate claim on the tenant’s deposit, particularly if the tenant has left without the landlord’s permission and had no break clause.

Can a tenant move out of an apartment in Minnesota?

To avoid a sticky landlord/tenant dispute, tenants are encouraged to fully understand their rights and responsibilities before moving out of, or “vacating,” an apartment or house. Two types of housing leases—“periodic” and “definite”—are recognized in Minnesota.

When to notify your landlord of your intention to move?

The terms and conditions in a lease generally govern the rights and responsibilities for ending it. For example, some month-to-month leases may include a provision requiring you to notify the landlord within a certain time prior to moving (e.g. 60 days). The lease should define the notification responsibilities.

Can You sublease an apartment before the move out date?

Remember, leases may specifically state that subleasing is not allowed, and landlords are generally not required to allow you to terminate a lease early. Once a move-out date has been set, you should clean the unit in whatever fashion the lease stipulates.

To avoid a sticky landlord/tenant dispute, tenants are encouraged to fully understand their rights and responsibilities before moving out of, or “vacating,” an apartment or house. Two types of housing leases—“periodic” and “definite”—are recognized in Minnesota.

The terms and conditions in a lease generally govern the rights and responsibilities for ending it. For example, some month-to-month leases may include a provision requiring you to notify the landlord within a certain time prior to moving (e.g. 60 days). The lease should define the notification responsibilities.

Remember, leases may specifically state that subleasing is not allowed, and landlords are generally not required to allow you to terminate a lease early. Once a move-out date has been set, you should clean the unit in whatever fashion the lease stipulates.