Check your deposit deductions

A few quick questions — we'll tell you what California law says about your case and build your demand letter free. No account needed; your details come last, only to generate the PDF.

Question 1 of 13 ≈ 4 min left

When did you move out?

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

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.

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.

Did your landlord offer a move-out inspection?

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

Deposit amounts

$
$

Amount You're Claiming: $0.00

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.

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.

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

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.

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?

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

Lease details (optional)

Who gets the letter?

This is where we'll send the certified letter.

Don't know your landlord's mailing address?

Check, in order:

  1. Your lease — first page or the signature block usually lists a notice address.
  2. Your rent-payment app or portal — look at the landlord or payee profile.
  3. The property management company's website.
  4. 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.

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.

We'll send your letter here as a PDF.

Review & Generate Your Letter

Your letter is free — assembled from an attorney-reviewed template based on the reasons you confirmed.

Your Information & Details

Your Info

Rental Property

Landlord

Deposit Claim & Reasons

Two ways to send it

Mail it yourself — free

  • Print, sign, find an envelope
  • Post-office trip — Certified Mail + Return Receipt form (PS 3800)
  • ~$9–12 postage at the counter
  • Keep the receipt; track delivery yourself
  • Remember the day-21 follow-up on your own

Realistic time: 1–2 hours

We mail it — $35

  • One click — we print and post it
  • USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt
  • Tracking + delivery-confirmation emails — a paper trail you can use in small claims
  • Day-21 follow-up reminders
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Your time: about a minute

The $35 includes the ~$9–12 postage you'd pay anyway — the service itself is a net ~$23.

How will you send it?

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