Security Deposits — Get Back What’s Rightfully Yours in San Diego

Your Landlord Can’t Keep Your Deposit Without a Good Reason

Did your landlord keep part or all of your security deposit unfairly? California law is clear: landlords can only withhold your deposit for specific reasons, like unpaid rent or repairs beyond normal wear and tear. Any attempt to pocket your deposit for other reasons is illegal, and you have the right to fight back.

At Renter Warriors, our San Diego tenant attorneys help renters recover wrongfully withheld security deposits, including penalties for landlords who violate the law.

Call (866) 219-3343 today for a free consultation.
Don’t let your landlord keep your money — we’ll help you get it back.

What a Landlord Can Legally Deduct From Your Security Deposit

Under California Civil Code §1950.5, landlords may only use your security deposit for:

Unpaid rent

Repairing damages caused by the tenant beyond normal wear and tear

Cleaning the rental unit to return it to the same condition as when you moved in

Replacing missing items you were contractually responsible for

Everything else — including ordinary wear, personal property left behind, or punitive charges — is illegal.

If your landlord deducted more than this, we can fight to get it back — plus penalties.

What a Landlord Must Do When You Move Out

If the landlord deducts more than $125 from your security deposit, California law requires landlords to provide a written itemized statement of any deductions within 21 days of you moving out. The statement must include:

  • Each deduction and its cost
  • Receipts for repairs or replacements
  • Any remaining deposit balance returned to you

If your landlord fails to provide this statement or return your deposit on time, you may be entitled to additional damages, including up to twice the amount wrongfully withheld.

Don’t accept excuses — call us.
Our attorneys make sure landlords follow the law and pay you what’s owed.

Illegal Withholding or Unlawful Charges

Landlords sometimes try to:

  • Charge for normal wear and tear (e.g., minor carpet stains, paint touch-ups)
  • Keep deposits for routine maintenance
  • Deduct for repairs without receipts
  • Mix personal expenses or unrelated bills into deposit deductions

These practices are illegal, and California law allows tenants to recover the full deposit plus penalties.

Even small amounts matter.
Our San Diego attorneys pursue maximum recovery for your security deposit, including legal fees and penalties.

How Our San Diego Tenant Lawyers Can Help

We fight for tenants who have been cheated out of their security deposits. Our services include:

  • Reviewing your lease and move-out condition
  • Calculating amounts unlawfully withheld
  • Sending formal demand letters to landlords
  • Filing lawsuits to recover deposits, penalties, and attorney fees
  • Representing tenants in court if landlords refuse to comply

Many landlords return deposits quickly once a lawyer gets involved.
You shouldn’t have to pay to get your own money back.

How to Protect Your Deposit and Build Your Case

To strengthen your claim:

  1. Document the condition of your rental — photos or videos when you move in and move out
  2. Keep copies of rent receipts, repair receipts, and correspondence with your landlord
  3. Respond promptly to any notice of deductions
  4. Contact a San Diego tenant lawyer immediately if your landlord is withholding money unfairly

The more evidence you have, the stronger your case — and we know how to present it to maximize recovery.

Why Act Quickly

Landlords often hope tenants won’t challenge deductions. California law requires a 21-day return window, and delays or silence may be counted against you.

The sooner you act, the easier it is to recover your full deposit, penalties, and legal fees.

Call (866) 219-3343 today.
Our San Diego tenant attorneys will fight to get your deposit back and hold your landlord accountable.

We Stand Up for San Diego Renters

At Renter Warriors, we help tenants across San Diego County — including Chula Vista, National City, La Mesa, Oceanside, El Cajon, and downtown San Diego — recover security deposits and fight unlawful landlord practices.

Take action now — don’t let your landlord profit from breaking the law.
Contact us online or call (866) 219-3343 for a free consultation.

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