Before moving out in California, document your move-out date, request the initial inspection, give your current mailing address, photograph the rental, return keys, and track the 21-calendar-day deposit deadline.
Before move-out
- Give written notice or confirm your planned move-out date
- Request the initial inspection
- Ask when the inspection will occur so you can be present
- Save any written notice about the inspection
- Save the landlord's proposed itemized statement after inspection
- Fix identified cleaning or repair issues if you reasonably can
- Gather your lease, deposit proof, and move-in condition records
At move-out
- Photograph and video each room
- Save cleaning receipts
- Remove belongings and trash
- Return keys, remotes, parking passes, and access devices
- Document when and how you gave the rental back
- Send or confirm your current mailing address in writing
After move-out
- Count 21 calendar days after you vacated
- Save any itemized statement, refund, estimate, receipt, invoice, labor detail, or photo the landlord sends
- If the landlord uses a good-faith estimate, watch for final documentation and any additional refund after the work is completed
- Put disputed deductions in writing
Related California guides
- California security deposit deadline
- California security deposit evidence guide
- What can a California landlord deduct?
- California security deposit demand letter
The checklist above helps you organize the record. The paid system gives you the letters that use that record at each step.
Get the Deposit Recovery System
Important: This page provides general information and is not legal advice.