California Small Claims Court for a Security Deposit
Limits: $12,500 (statewide). Court: California Small Claims Court (division of the Superior Court). Limitation period listed in our state data: 4 years. Filing fees vary by county; service costs may be extra. See the table. E-filing verified in 9/58 counties. Typical demand-letter response window: 14 days.
County court coverage and fees
58 listed counties · E-filing: Yes 9, No 0, Not verified 49
Deposit return deadlines
- 21 calendar days after tenant vacates the premises.
From a letter to court
- Send a California security deposit demand letter stating the deposit amount supported by your records.
- Before you file: review the deposit return deadlines above and allow the typical response window of 14 days after your letter.
- Time limit to sue in California: 4 years.
- Check the court's filing instructions. Keep your lease, payment records, photos, letter, and proof of delivery ready.
How to file
Forms: Court forms and filing information
File online: Varies by county
Statewide filing fee: $30 if suing for up to $1,500; $50 if over $1,500 and up to $5,000; $75 if over $5,000 and up to $12,500. $100 if more than 12 small claims cases in the past 12 months.
How papers are served:
- certified mail by clerk
- constable or sheriff
- private process server
Service fee: Service of Claim by Certified Mail $15.00 (San Francisco local schedule; statewide clerk-mail fee is commonly $15 - confirm county).
Attorneys allowed: No
Appeal window: 30 days
$30 if you're suing for up to $1,500 $50 if you're suing for over $1,500 and up to $5,000 $75 if you're suing for over $5,000 and up to $12,500 If you've filed more than 12 small claims cases in the past 12 months, your fee is $100.
Free California template, built from verified state data
I rented [rental property address] from [lease start date] to [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[amount]. I returned the keys on [date] and gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date]. Under California law (Cal. Civ. Code §1950.5), a landlord must return the deposit or send a written, itemized list of deductions within 21 calendar days after tenant vacates the premises.
Key facts
| Small claims limit | $12,500 (statewide) |
|---|---|
| Court | California Small Claims Court (division of the Superior Court) |
| Limitation period listed in our state data | 4 years |
| Bad faith required | Yes |
| Itemization required | Yes; Itemized statement always required; receipts/invoices required unless total deductions are $125 or less (or tenant waived receipts) |
What you can recover
Statutory damages of up to 2x the deposit, in addition to actual damages, when retention is in bad faith (Civ. Code §1950.5(l)). Bad faith required: Yes.
County small claims courts
| County | Court and city | Limit | Filing fee | E-filing | Court link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles County | Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles - Small Claims Division, Los Angeles (Stanley Mosk Courthouse) plus 11 other courthouse locations countywide | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: $30 (claims ≤$1,500), $50 (>$1,500-$5,000), $75 (>$5,000-$12,500) - statewide Govt Code fee schedule, confirmed on LA fee-schedule page | Yes | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| San Diego County | Superior Court of California, County of San Diego - Small Claims Division, San Diego (Hall of Justice, Central Division), plus branch courts (El Cajon, Chula Vista, Vista, San Marcos, El Centro area) | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: $30/$50/$75 tiered by claim amount, statewide schedule (specific fee page not independently re-verified this session) | Not verified | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| Orange County | Superior Court of California, County of Orange - Small Claims Division, Santa Ana, plus branch courts (Fullerton, Newport Beach, Westminster) | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: $30/$50/$75 tiered by claim amount, statewide schedule (page references fee schedule but exact amount not shown in fetched excerpt) | Yes | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| Riverside County | Superior Court of California, County of Riverside - Small Claims, Riverside, plus branches (Indio, Murrieta, Banning, Hemet, Palm Springs) | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: $30/$50/$75 tiered by claim amount (statewide schedule); e-filing adds ~$9.45 EFSP fee + 2.75% of court filing fee | Yes | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| San Bernardino County | Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino - Small Claims, San Bernardino, plus branch courts (Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Victorville, Barstow, Joshua Tree, Needles) | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: $30/$50/$75 tiered by claim amount, statewide schedule | Yes | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| Santa Clara County | Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara - Small Claims Division, San Jose (Downtown Superior Court, Civil Division) | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: $30/$50/$75 tiered by claim amount, statewide schedule | Yes | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| Alameda County | Superior Court of California, County of Alameda - Small Claims Division, Oakland (Rene C. Davidson Courthouse), plus branches (Hayward, Fremont/Union City, Pleasanton, Berkeley) | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: $30/$50/$75 tiered by claim amount, statewide schedule | Yes | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| Sacramento County | Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento - Small Claims Division, Sacramento (Carol Miller Justice Center) | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: $30/$50/$75 tiered by claim amount, statewide schedule | Yes | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| Contra Costa County | Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa - Small Claims Division, Martinez, plus branches (Pittsburg, Richmond) | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: $30/$50/$75 tiered by claim amount, statewide schedule | Yes | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| Fresno County | Superior Court of California, County of Fresno - Small Claims Division, Fresno | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: $30/$50/$75 tiered by claim amount, statewide schedule (exact tier table not shown on fetched Fresno small-claims page; see court's fee-schedules page) | Not verified | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| Kern County | Superior Court of California, County of Kern - Civil and Small Claims, Bakersfield | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: $30/$50/$75 tiered by claim amount, statewide schedule | Yes | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| San Francisco County | Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco - Small Claims Division, San Francisco (400 McAllister St., Dept. 506) | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: $30/$50/$75 tiered by claim amount, statewide schedule (efiling status not confirmed this session) | Not verified | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| Ventura County | Superior Court of California, County of Ventura - Small Claims Division, Ventura | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| San Joaquin County | Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin - Small Claims Division, Stockton | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| San Mateo County | Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo - Small Claims Division, Redwood City | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Stanislaus County | Superior Court of California, County of Stanislaus - Small Claims Division, Modesto | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Sonoma County | Superior Court of California, County of Sonoma - Small Claims Division, Santa Rosa | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Tulare County | Superior Court of California, County of Tulare - Small Claims Division, Visalia | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Solano County | Superior Court of California, County of Solano - Small Claims Division, Fairfield | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Santa Barbara County | Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara - Small Claims Division, Santa Barbara | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Monterey County | Superior Court of California, County of Monterey - Small Claims Division, Salinas | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Placer County | Superior Court of California, County of Placer - Small Claims Division, Auburn | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Merced County | Superior Court of California, County of Merced - Small Claims Division, Merced | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| San Luis Obispo County | Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo - Small Claims Division, San Luis Obispo | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Santa Cruz County | Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz - Small Claims Division, Santa Cruz | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Marin County | Superior Court of California, County of Marin - Small Claims Division, San Rafael | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Yolo County | Superior Court of California, County of Yolo - Small Claims Division, Woodland | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Butte County | Superior Court of California, County of Butte - Small Claims Division, Oroville | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| El Dorado County | Superior Court of California, County of El Dorado - Small Claims Division, Placerville | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Imperial County | Superior Court of California, County of Imperial - Small Claims Division, El Centro | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Shasta County | Superior Court of California, County of Shasta - Small Claims Division, Redding | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Madera County | Superior Court of California, County of Madera - Small Claims Division, Madera | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Kings County | Superior Court of California, County of Kings - Small Claims Division, Hanford | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Napa County | Superior Court of California, County of Napa - Small Claims Division, Napa | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Humboldt County | Superior Court of California, County of Humboldt - Small Claims Division, Eureka | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Nevada County | Superior Court of California, County of Nevada - Small Claims Division, Nevada City | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Sutter County | Superior Court of California, County of Sutter - Small Claims Division, Yuba City | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Mendocino County | Superior Court of California, County of Mendocino - Small Claims Division, Ukiah | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Yuba County | Superior Court of California, County of Yuba - Small Claims Division, Marysville | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| San Benito County | Superior Court of California, County of San Benito - Small Claims Division, Hollister | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Lake County | Superior Court of California, County of Lake - Small Claims Division, Lakeport | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Tehama County | Superior Court of California, County of Tehama - Small Claims Division, Red Bluff | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Tuolumne County | Superior Court of California, County of Tuolumne - Small Claims Division, Sonora | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Calaveras County | Superior Court of California, County of Calaveras - Small Claims Division, San Andreas | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Siskiyou County | Superior Court of California, County of Siskiyou - Small Claims Division, Yreka | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Amador County | Superior Court of California, County of Amador - Small Claims Division, Jackson | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Lassen County | Superior Court of California, County of Lassen - Small Claims Division, Susanville | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Glenn County | Superior Court of California, County of Glenn - Small Claims Division, Willows | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Del Norte County | Superior Court of California, County of Del Norte - Small Claims Division, Crescent City | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Colusa County | Superior Court of California, County of Colusa - Small Claims Division, Colusa | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Plumas County | Superior Court of California, County of Plumas - Small Claims Division, Quincy | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Inyo County | Superior Court of California, County of Inyo - Small Claims Division, Independence | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Mariposa County | Superior Court of California, County of Mariposa - Small Claims Division, Mariposa | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Trinity County | Superior Court of California, County of Trinity - Small Claims Division, Weaverville | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Mono County | Superior Court of California, County of Mono - Small Claims Division, Bridgeport | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Modoc County | Superior Court of California, County of Modoc - Small Claims Division, Alturas | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Sierra County | Superior Court of California, County of Sierra - Small Claims Division, Downieville | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Alpine County | Superior Court of California, County of Alpine - Small Claims Division, Markleeville | $12,500 (statewide) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
Detailed guides for 58 counties
- Los Angeles County
- San Diego County
- Orange County
- Riverside County
- San Bernardino County
- Santa Clara County
- Alameda County
- Sacramento County
- Contra Costa County
- Fresno County
- Kern County
- San Francisco County
- Ventura County
- San Joaquin County
- San Mateo County
- Stanislaus County
- Sonoma County
- Tulare County
- Solano County
- Santa Barbara County
- Monterey County
- Placer County
- Merced County
- San Luis Obispo County
- Santa Cruz County
- Marin County
- Yolo County
- Butte County
- El Dorado County
- Imperial County
- Shasta County
- Madera County
- Kings County
- Napa County
- Humboldt County
- Nevada County
- Sutter County
- Mendocino County
- Yuba County
- San Benito County
- Lake County
- Tehama County
- Tuolumne County
- Calaveras County
- Siskiyou County
- Amador County
- Lassen County
- Glenn County
- Del Norte County
- Colusa County
- Plumas County
- Inyo County
- Mariposa County
- Trinity County
- Mono County
- Modoc County
- Sierra County
- Alpine County
Statute says
"No later than 21 calendar days after the tenant has vacated the premises... the landlord shall furnish the tenant, a copy of an itemized statement indicating the basis for, and the amount of, any security received and the disposition of the security... The bad faith claim or retention by a landlord... of the security or any portion thereof in violation of this section... may subject the landlord... to statutory damages of up to twice the amount of the security, in addition to actual damages."
What this means
Tenant resources
- LawHelpCA - statewide legal aid directory (California Legal Services Coalition)legal aid
- Tenants Together - California statewide tenant rights coalition and helplinetenant union in San Francisco, 888-495-8020
- California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General - Public Inquiry Unitag consumer in Sacramento, (800) 952-5225
- California Department of Justice - Landlord-Tenant Issues (consumer resource page)ag consumer in Sacramento
FAQ
What is the small claims limit in California?
$12,500 (statewide)
What is the statute of limitations?
Limitation period listed in our state data: 4 years.
Can I recover more than my deposit?
Statutory damages of up to 2x the deposit, in addition to actual damages, when retention is in bad faith (Civ. Code §1950.5(l)). Bad faith required: Yes.
Which court handles the claim?
California Small Claims Court (division of the Superior Court)
Should I send a demand letter first?
First listed deposit return deadline: 21 calendar days after tenant vacates the premises. Typical response window after a demand letter: 14 days.