Security deposit deduction calculator
Landlords cannot deduct for normal wear-and-tear in any US state. Add actual deductions below (repairs beyond wear, unpaid rent, agreed-upon cleaning fees). The calculator returns the refund owed and the statutory deadline to return it.
California requires the landlord to return the deposit and itemized statement within 21 days of the tenant surrendering the unit. Missing the deadline can forfeit the landlord’s right to any portion of the deposit. Reference: Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1940-1954; Civ. Code § 1950.5.
What counts as wear-and-tear
Faded paint, worn carpet in traffic areas, minor nail holes, dusty vents, hard-water mineral marks, and scuffed baseboards are generally wear-and-tear and cannot be deducted. Large holes, pet damage beyond reasonable use, burn marks, broken fixtures, and stains are damage and can be deducted if itemized correctly within the statutory deadline.
Missing the state’s itemization deadline can forfeit the landlord’s right to withhold any portion of the deposit and, in some states, trigger double or treble damages on the full deposit amount.