Start Your Claim - DepositBack

When did you move out?

The 21-day clock under CCC §1950.5 starts the day you returned possession.

I returned the keys on a different day than I moved out

Did your landlord send you an itemized statement of deductions?

A written breakdown of what they kept and why — the law requires one within 21 days of move-out.

Yes, I got one No — nothing in writing

Did the statement include receipts or invoices?

For repairs or cleaning over $125, California requires the landlord to attach receipts, invoices, or good-faith estimates.

Yes, receipts were attached No — just amounts, no documentation The charges were all under $125

Did your landlord offer a move-out inspection?

Before you left — a walkthrough where you could fix issues to avoid deductions.

Yes No, never offered Not sure / don't remember

Deposit amounts

Total Security Deposit Paid *

$

Amount Already Returned (if any)

$

Amount You're Claiming: $0.00

This deposit was shared with other tenants

You and one or more roommates paid one deposit together

Do you owe any unpaid rent?

Yes No

If rent is owed, the letter asks for a full accounting rather than the entire deposit back.

What did they charge you for?

Select everything you saw on the statement — or heard about. Skip any you're unsure of.

Cleaning fee Painting / repainting Carpet replacement Scuffs, nail holes, general wear Repairs / damage Something else / they never said

Which of these describe the charges?

California law treats normal wear and tear as the landlord's cost, not yours. Your letter will quote what you select.

Scuffs / marks on walls Small nail / tack holes Faded / worn paint Worn carpet in walkways Minor floor / tile wear Loose hinges / fixtures

Were any charges for damage that existed before you moved in?

Yes No / not sure

Your letter will argue:

Based on your answers — confirm they match your situation. Each reason adds one legal argument to the letter; nothing is added without your confirmation here.

Missed the 21-day deadline

Landlord did not return my deposit or provide an itemized statement within 21 days of move-out

No itemized statement

Landlord didn't provide a breakdown of deductions within 21 days

No receipts or invoices

No documentation provided for deductions over $125

No move-out inspection

Landlord didn't offer an initial inspection before move-out

Normal wear and tear

Charged for scuffs, nail holes, faded paint, or carpet wear from normal use

Pre-existing damage

Charged for damage that was there before you moved in

Excessive cleaning charges

Charged beyond returning the unit to its move-in level of cleanliness

Anything else about your situation? (optional)

Not sure about a reason? Leave it unchecked — or try the free 30-second deadline checker → You can also consult the California Courts Self-Help Guide or a licensed attorney.

Where should we send your letter?

We'll email the finished PDF here and keep your progress safe so you can pick up where you left off — no account, no spam.

We'll email your letter and deadline reminders here — unsubscribe anytime, no spam.

Where was the rental?

Rental Property Address *

City *

State *

ZIP *

Move-in Date *

Roughly right is fine — it only appears in the letter as your tenancy start.

How did your tenancy end?

Lease details (optional)

Lease type

Who gets the letter?

Landlord/Property Manager Name *

Property Management Company (if applicable)

Landlord Mailing Address (optional)

This is the address printed on your letter — and where we'd send it if you choose our certified-mail option. You can leave it blank and add it later. Street and unit only — city, state and ZIP go in the boxes below.

Don't know your landlord's mailing address?

No problem — you can skip it for now. If you'd like to look it up, check, in order:

Your lease — first page or the signature block usually lists a notice address.
Your rent-payment app or portal — look at the landlord or payee profile.
The property management company's website.
The county assessor's property lookup — search the rental address; the owner's mailing address is public record.

If a property manager handles the unit, their office address works.

City

State

ZIP

Last step — where should the money go?

Your name signs the letter; your forwarding address is where the landlord must send payment. We'll email your letter to you.

Full Name *

Email Address *

We'll send your letter here as a PDF.

Current/Forwarding Address *

City *

State *

ZIP *

Review & Get Your Letter

Your letter is assembled from an attorney-reviewed template based on your answers. The basic letter is free; the full letter adds a paragraph for each reason you confirmed.

Your Information & Details

Your Info

Rental Property

Landlord

Deposit Claim & Reasons

Choose how you want it

Full letter — $9 — the basic letter plus a paragraph for each reason you confirmed, citing Civil Code §1950.5. PDF plus a copy by email, and a 30-day money-back guarantee if your landlord doesn't respond. Apple Pay / Google Pay accepted; payment happens on the next screen via Stripe. Full letter + we mail it certified — $35 — we print it and send it by USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt, with tracking, day-21 reminders, and a 30-day money-back guarantee on the mailing. Basic letter — free — your details, the 21-day deadline, and a 15-day payment demand, ready to print and sign; without the paragraphs arguing each reason. You can add them later for $9.

Each reason you confirmed maps to one paragraph in the letter; nothing is added or inferred beyond what you approved on the previous screens.

I confirm the information I have provided is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that DepositBack is an automated mailing and tracking service, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. I have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, including the binding arbitration and class action waiver in the Terms.

Check your deposit deductions