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 with copies of the receipts or invoices for the work, within 21 days of the tenant vacating, unless the repair and cleaning deductions total $125 or less
California Civil Code Section 1950.5 gives the landlord 21 calendar days after the tenant vacates to deliver an itemized statement of each deduction together with copies of the bills, invoices or receipts supporting the amounts charged. The documents may be omitted only in two narrow situations: the deductions for repairs and cleaning together do not exceed $125, or the tenant signed a waiver of the documentation right after notice of termination. If the work is not finished when the statement goes out, the landlord gives a good faith estimate and then furnishes the actual documents within 14 days of completing the work. The deadline is 21 days regardless of who did the work, so a 30-day deadline or a licensed-contractor limitation is not the rule.
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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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Specific performance in North Dakota:
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