Up to $12,500 · 4 years to file.
A landlord who kept your deposit past the legal return deadline. In California, small-claims cases for this kind of dispute are filed in the Small Claims Court (a division of the Superior Court), where you can sue for up to $12,500.
Your deadline: California generally gives you 4 years from when the claim arose to file. Miss it and the court can dismiss the case no matter how clearly you're owed.
The filing fee is around $75 (Tiered: about $30 (≤$1,500), $50 ($1,500–$5,000), $75 (>$5,000); reduced for frequent filers. Fee-waiver available.). Before you file, send a written demand letter and keep proof of delivery.
Source: Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 116.221; deadlines: Cal. Civ. Proc. Code §§ 335.1, 337, 338, 339. Reviewed 2026-06-17.
Note on deadlines: Personal injury 2 yrs; written contract 4; oral contract 2; property damage 3.
Suing for something else in California: California unpaid loan · California property damage · California unpaid rent · California contractor dispute.
Suing for security deposit in nearby states: Oregon ($10,000, 6 years) · Nevada ($10,000, 6 years) · Arizona ($3,500, 6 years).
General legal information, not legal advice. Rules change and vary by county and court; consult a licensed attorney or your court clerk.
Updated July 2026