DisputeKit / States / California
Your consumer rights in California
What California and federal law say about getting a security deposit back, refunds and cancelling subscriptions, with the law cited and a sample letter for each. Guía del depósito en español.
Security deposits
21 days. Under California Civil Code § 1950.5, a landlord must return the security deposit, together with an itemized statement of any deductions within 21 days. The clock starts when you move out and hand back possession of the unit. A court may also award statutory damages of up to twice the amount of the security deposit, in addition to actual damages, for bad-faith retention.
Refunds
If a company won't refund you, send a written demand with a clear deadline. If you paid by credit card, you may also be able to dispute the charge: Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, a billing-error dispute must reach the card issuer in writing within 60 days after the first statement showing the charge.
Subscriptions
California has its own automatic-renewal law for subscriptions, on top of the federal Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act.
Small claims and complaints in California
- California consumer law
- California Consumers Legal Remedies Act (Civil Code § 1750 et seq.)
- Where to file a complaint
- California Attorney General, Consumer Complaint
- Small claims limit
- $12,500 for individuals
- Filing fee
- $30 to $75, depending on the amount and how many claims you filed this year