Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

Can a landlord make security deposit deductions throughout the 21 day period they have to return your money? Basically, can they keep a running list, or can deductions only be made based on whats seen during the final inspection (with tenant present)?


Asked on 7/22/09, 4:00 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Scott Linden Scott H. Linden, Esq.

Generally, they have the final inspection to look over the property and create their list from that. There is no requirement, that I know of without research, that they can not add on more items as they are found, but it does seem unethical, at best.

Hopefully, you took photos at the beginning and end of your tenancy to show any prior and post damages to compare to the landlord's list. Remember, normal wear and tear is not includable in the landlord's list.

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Answered on 7/22/09, 5:36 pm


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