How DepositBack Works

From a certified demand letter to small claims court — we guide you every step of the way

1

Fill Out the Form (5 minutes)

Tell us about your rental situation. We'll ask for basic information about:

  • • Your contact info and forwarding address
  • • The rental property address and your tenancy dates
  • • Your landlord's name and mailing address
  • • Your deposit amount and why you're disputing
2

We Generate & Mail Your Letter

Once you pay, we immediately generate a professional demand letter that:

  • • Cites California Civil Code §1950.5 (the security deposit law)
  • • Clearly states the amount owed and why
  • • Warns of potential 2x penalty for bad faith retention
  • • Gives a 15-day deadline to respond

We mail it for you via USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt. You'll get a tracking number and proof of delivery.

3

Get Your Money Back

Most landlords respond within 2 weeks of receiving a certified demand letter. Here's what typically happens:

If They Pay (60–70%)

You get your deposit back! Most landlords pay once they see a formal legal demand.

If They Don't (30–40%)

After 30 days you can request a full refund, or apply your $35 as credit toward the Small Claims Kit in Step 4.

If your landlord still doesn't pay
4

Take It to Small Claims Court

You don't need a lawyer — and in California, attorneys aren't even allowed at small claims hearings. Our Small Claims Kit does the heavy lifting for you:

  • • Pre-filled SC-100 claim form with all your case details — just sign and print
  • • County-specific courthouse address, hours, and e-filing link (where available)
  • • Service of process instructions (sheriff, process server, or personal service) with local costs
  • • Key legal points based on your specific dispute type, tailored for your hearing

Interactive step-by-step dashboard — tracks your progress from filing to serving to hearing day, with deadline reminders so nothing falls through the cracks.

With credit ($30)

Apply your $35 demand letter purchase as credit. Kit drops from $65 to $30.

Without credit ($65)

Purchase the kit standalone if you already sent a letter on your own.

Court filing fees ($30–$75) and service fees are paid directly to the court or sheriff — not to DepositBack. Currently available for select California counties.

Why Certified Mail Matters

Legal Documentation

Certified mail creates a legal paper trail. If you go to small claims court, you can prove your landlord received the demand letter — the judge will ask.

Landlords Take It Seriously

A certified letter signals you mean business. Most landlords would rather pay than risk court, where they could owe 2x your deposit in penalty damages.

Start Your Claim — $35

Money-back guarantee if it doesn't work