California Security Deposit Itemized Statement: What It Contains (With an Example)
What belongs in a California security deposit itemized statement, laid out line by line with a fictional example and the supporting documents that go with it.
Updated September 29, 2026
A statement lists each deduction with a description and an amount, states the deposit and the refund, and is accompanied by the supporting bills and photographs. The example below is fictional.
The parts of a statement
An itemized statement names the landlord and tenant, identifies the property, states the deposit held, lists each deduction with a description and an amount, and shows the resulting refund or balance.
- Deposit held, and the total of all deductions.
- One line per charge, described specifically enough that the tenant can tell what it is for.
- The amount of each line, matched to a bill, invoice, or receipt.
- The remaining deposit, returned with the statement.
A fictional example
Deposit held: $2,000.00. Line 1 — professional cleaning, kitchen and bathroom: $325.00 (Invoice 4471, Exhibit A). Line 2 — drywall repair, two holes in a bedroom wall: $180.00 (before and after photographs, Exhibits B and C). Line 3 — lock rekey, key not returned: $75.00. Total deductions: $580.00. Refund enclosed: $1,420.00.
Names, addresses, and amounts here are made up. You can see the full fictional packet, with numbered exhibits, on the sample packet page.
Tying each line to its proof
A charge with nothing behind it is the weakest line in a statement. Cite the receipt for its amount and the photograph for the condition it describes, so the tenant can move from the charge to the proof.
What this does not decide
Whether a given deduction is proper is a legal question this guide does not answer. Review every line yourself, and consult a California attorney about your situation.
Frequently asked
- Does every deduction need a receipt?
- The statute describes copies of bills, invoices, or receipts supporting the deductions, with a carve-out when repair and cleaning deductions together do not exceed $125. Read § 1950.5(g) to confirm how it applies to you.
- Can I use this example as a template?
- It is fictional and illustrative. Your statement must reflect your own facts, and you should review every line before sending.
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MoveOutGuard is a document preparation and evidence organization tool. It is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Drafts, checklists, and deadline estimates require your review and are not a guarantee of compliance or outcomes. For legal questions, consult a licensed attorney.