In California, what does the law say about security deposit, return deadline?
Answered for: California
No later than 21 calendar days after the tenant has vacated the premises, but not earlier than the time that either the landlord or the tenant provides a notice to terminate the tenancy under Section 1946 or 1946.1
This is California law on security deposit, return deadline, in the words of the statute itself, read at the official source on 2026-08-21.
This answer is true in California and nowhere else on this site. Another jurisdiction is another answer, or an honest gap: see what has been read for California.