Your move-out, dated from notice to deposit.
Enter your lease end or the day you give notice. You get every step that matters, each with its date and the statute behind it: notice, the steps that start your landlord's clock, report day, keys, and the day the deposit is due.
Last day to give written noticeYour deadline
At least 30 days' written notice, given at any time. Month-to-month tenancy. A fixed-term lease or a signed agreement can set a different period: check yours.
Ask for the initial inspectionYour deadline
Ask in writing. The inspection itself happens no earlier than two weeks before the end; the landlord lists what they'd deduct for, and you can fix it before you leave.
Send your forwarding address in writingYour deadline
Give it in writing with a request to return the deposit, and keep proof of sending (certified mail or a dated e-mail).
Move-out condition report: photos of every roomYour deadline
Photograph each room after you clean, before you hand back the keys. Hashes and server receipts record when housr saw each photo.
Hand back the keys (your surrender date)Starts the clock
California's clock starts when: you vacate. Write down the date and how you returned the keys.
Deposit and itemized list due backLandlord's deadline
21 calendar days from move-out.
If nothing has arrived: send the demand letterYour deadline
Late is a fact you can put in writing. The letter cites Cal. Civ. Code §1950.5(h)(1) and the date it was due.
Small claims, if the demand goes unanswered (limit $12,500)
Small claims is for when you think the other side owes you less than $12,500 (or $6,250 if you're suing as a business). The date assumes the 10-day reply window housr suggests in the letter.
Your deadline: 14 days from receipt of the itemized statementYour deadline
If deductions came without receipts, you can ask for the documents within 14 days of receiving the itemized statement. Count from the day it actually reaches you; this date assumes it arrives on the landlord's last day.