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Letter · California

California inspection + photos: the California letter

Asks for the initial (pre-move-out) inspection California allows, and for the photographs a landlord must take and send with any deductions. When: After you or the landlord give notice. The inspection happens no earlier than two weeks before the end (Cal. Civ. Code §1950.5(f)). It cites Cal. Civ. Code §1950.5(h)(1), with the statute text checked 2026-10-05.

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October 29, 2026

[landlord's name] [landlord's address]

Re: Request for an initial inspection and the deduction photographs Rental: [rental address]

Dear [landlord's name],

My tenancy at the rental above ends on [tenancy end date].

Under California Civil Code §1950.5(f), I request an initial inspection of the premises before I move out, and I would like to be present. The statute provides that it take place no earlier than two weeks before the end of the tenancy or later. Times that work for me: [times that work for you].

Please give me the itemized statement of proposed deductions after the inspection, so I have the chance to fix anything identified before I leave.

If you make any deduction for repairs or cleaning, please send the photographs taken under §1950.5(g) with the itemized statement, as §1950.5(h)(2)(D) requires, together with the bills, invoices or receipts described in §1950.5(h)(2).

Thank you.

Sincerely, [your name]

Cites Cal. Civ. Code §1950.5(f), (g). This letter states facts and dates; it is not legal advice. Prepared with housr.io, a free renter tool.

Still to fill in: landlord's name, landlord's address, rental address, tenancy end date, times that work for you, your name.

Information, not legal advice. The letter states facts, dates and the statute. Whether a deduction is lawful depends on facts a court decides. Statute text checked, legal review pending.