Calendar days, not business days.
The statute allows an estimate in specified circumstances when repairs or third-party documents cannot reasonably be completed or obtained within 21 days.
After completing the repair or receiving the documentation, the landlord must complete the statutory documentation requirements within 14 calendar days.
21-day deposit deadline
Enter the date you vacated the premises. The tool adds 21 calendar days.
Educational date calculation only. Disputes about when a tenant legally vacated or returned possession can change the analysis.
What the 21-day deadline covers
The deadline covers both the return of any remaining portion of the security and the itemized statement explaining the disposition of the deposit. The exact return method can depend on how rent or the deposit was paid and on written agreements between the parties.
When an estimate can appear instead of a final invoice
If a repair by the landlord or an employee cannot reasonably be completed within 21 calendar days, or if third-party documents are not yet in the landlord’s possession, § 1950.5 permits a good-faith estimate. The statute then requires follow-up documentation within 14 calendar days after the repair is completed or the documents are received.
What to keep
- Your move-out / possession-return date and proof of key return.
- The envelope, email timestamp or other proof showing when the accounting was sent or received.
- The itemized statement, photographs, invoices, receipts and estimates.
- Your lease and forwarding-address communications.
Official sources
Use these links to verify the rule directly. RentBillCheck prioritizes California statutes, courts and state-agency guidance over secondary summaries.
Primary law for residential security deposits, deductions, inspections, photographs and return/accounting requirements.
California Courts — Self-Help GuideGuide to security deposits in California ↗Official court self-help overview of deductions, the 21-day rule, documents and dispute options.