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Presenter: Document move-in/out and return security deposits within 21 days
Summary
The presenter told landlords to take move-in photos, keep invoices and return security deposits within 21 calendar days; failure to document or match invoices risks losing deposit deductions.
Presenter advised landlords that security deposits are tightly regulated in California and that landlords must be able to document deductions with receipts and photographic evidence. "We have 21 days to get the money back to the tenant," the Presenter said, adding that photographic evidence at move-in and move-out is now required to support damage claims.
The talk covered permissible deductions (unpaid rent, damage beyond ordinary wear and tear) and noted limits on collection—generally one month's rent, with a mom-and-pop exemption up to two months when properly disclosed to tenants. The Presenter emphasized using contractors’ estimates when repairs take longer than 21 days but warned that final invoices must match any amounts withheld.
