After a tenant vacates a California residential unit, the landlord returns only a portion of the security deposit, having made deductions for cleaning and repairs beyond normal wear and tear. Under California Civil Code §1950.5, which of the following correctly describes the landlord's documentation obligations when returning the partial deposit?
Correct Answer
B) The landlord must provide an itemized written statement of deductions along with copies of receipts or invoices for completed work, within 21 days of the tenant vacating
Under California Civil Code §1950.5(g), the landlord must provide the tenant with an itemized written statement of each deduction along with copies of documents showing the amounts charged—such as receipts or invoices for completed work—within 21 days of the tenant vacating. If work is not yet completed at the time of the statement, the landlord must provide a good faith estimate and then supply actual receipts within 14 days of completing the work. There is no threshold based on the amount of deductions, and the requirement applies to all vendors, not only licensed contractors.
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Related Topics & Key Terms
Key Terms:
Related Concepts
Equitable title is the buyer's interest in a property after a purchase contract is signed but before closing, giving the buyer the right to acquire legal title in the future. The seller retains legal title until the deed is delivered at closing.
A financing contingency makes the purchase contract conditional upon the buyer obtaining mortgage approval within a specified time period. If the buyer cannot secure financing, they can cancel the contract and receive their earnest money back.
An inspection contingency gives the buyer the right to have the property professionally inspected within a specified time frame and to negotiate repairs or cancel the contract based on the findings.
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