California landlord keeps tenants' $5,200 security deposit over alleged move-out damage, then demands another $2,201 with handwritten charges and no clear breakdown: 'Can she do this?'

Can a landlord keep your entire security deposit without proving the damage?

After moving out of their California rental, a group of tenants expected to receive at least part of their $5,200 security deposit back. Instead, their landlord blamed them for extensive property damage, kept the entire deposit, and demanded another $2,201 for repairs, supplies, and additional rent. The tenants argue the charges are unsupported, pointing to move-in photos, vague handwritten notes, and a lack of a clear itemized accounting, leaving them wondering whether the landlord's actions comply with California law.

I don't know about you, but stories like this make me nervous because of how stressful moving out actually is. Renting in every state is different, and it's clear that every tenant needs to be super careful and mindful about the lease they signed and how they live in the property since situations like the one the OP is describing can happen to anyone.

Of course, not every tenant will have the chance to get to know the landlord as much as possible to anticipate this kind of behaviour. And, of course, this will not happen the moment they have to sign and pay that huge amount of money, which they were expecting to receive back the moment they leave the house. And, following that statement, they seemed to be extra careful with the way they left the property to ensure the full reimbursement of the money.

Since the landlord looks very stubborn and does not respond to any questions or messages they leave, I'm sure they will have to send a demand letter with the specifics of why she's holding the money and asking for almost $3000 more for "repairs" and other things that didn't occur. Although this extends in time and will more likely become a bureaucratic and slow process, it's what they have to do when claiming what's theirs.