Prepare the home, keep useful records, and understand the basic accounting rules without assuming a full refund is guaranteed.
Prepare for your security deposit return by reviewing the move-in condition, cleaning appropriately, and documenting the handoff. California rules distinguish ordinary wear from damage and generally tie cleaning deductions to the move-in level of cleanliness. Other lawful deductions may still apply.
These California residential rules were checked September 8, 2026. Individual circumstances and local requirements can affect the answer.
Start with the condition record
Find your move-in checklist, photographs, lease, and relevant maintenance messages. Note what was already worn, damaged, or reported. Then walk through the home with that starting point in mind.
Advent’s room-by-room cleaning approach remains useful. Compare actual condition rather than expecting every surface to become brand new.
Ask about an initial inspection
California Civil Code section 1950.5 generally provides an opportunity for an initial inspection before the tenancy ends, with specified exceptions. If requested, it generally occurs no earlier than two weeks before the end of the tenancy. Ask management about arranging it and obtaining the list of identified issues.
Use the findings to plan appropriate work. They do not guarantee the final accounting; belongings may conceal issues and conditions can change.
Clean systematically and avoid creating new damage
| Area | Practical preparation |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | Clean accessible appliance surfaces, counters, cabinets, and sink using suitable products |
| Bathroom | Clean fixtures and accessible surfaces; report unresolved leaks or damaged components |
| Rooms and storage | Remove belongings and trash, clean floors appropriately, and check closets and assigned storage |
| Handoff | Return the agreed keys and access devices; document the final condition and contact details |
Use the move-in condition as the reference point and preserve a clear record of the move-out.
Do not move heavy appliances, alter fixtures, or attempt repairs that require approval or specialist skills. Ask before patching or repainting; an unsuitable repair can create another issue.
The statute does not allow a blanket charge for professional cleaning when it is not reasonably necessary to return the unit to its move-in condition, excluding ordinary wear. Keep receipts for work you arrange, but do not assume buying a cleaning service settles every condition question.
Keep photographs and written details
After cleaning and removing belongings, take dated photos of each room and relevant details. Keep the handoff instructions and provide current contact and forwarding information in writing.
California’s statute also establishes landlord photo requirements: before-and-after images for charged cleaning or repairs following possession returned on or after April 1, 2025, and move-in photos for tenancies beginning on or after July 1, 2025. Your own records remain useful even where landlord documentation is required.
Understand the accounting
The California Attorney General’s tenant guidance explains permissible deduction categories and the general 21-day requirement to return the remaining deposit with an itemized statement. Supporting-document and estimate rules include exceptions, so examine the explanation before deciding that a missing document establishes a violation.
If you disagree, identify the particular charge and respond with the relevant move-in record, photograph, or correspondence. Ask for clarification in writing. A qualified legal professional or tenant-assistance organization can help with a dispute that remains unresolved.
How can Advent help with the handoff?
For an Advent-managed home, use the maintenance request resource to report nonemergency unresolved property issues before moving. Do not assume submitting a request replaces a move-out notice or inspection request. Confirm those arrangements separately.
Advent’s residential property management supports the transition. Clear records give residents and management a shared condition history.
Does normal wear mean no deductions are possible? No. Different lawful categories may apply. Review each charge and its basis individually.
Should I pay for professional carpet cleaning automatically? Ask about the condition and applicable requirements rather than assuming it is always required.
Contact Advent to confirm your move-out arrangements, including the inspection request, key return, and the information needed for the deposit accounting.
