For Landlords & Tenants · Glendale & Los Angeles County

Security Deposit Disputes

Whether you're a landlord defending a deduction or a tenant whose deposit was withheld without explanation, attorney Hosep Yepremian helps resolve deposit disputes under California's specific deposit rules.

21 DaysLegal deadline for landlords to itemize deductions
2Sides represented — landlords & tenants

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Situations we handle

•A tenant is disputing a legitimate deduction you made as a landlord
•You need help documenting move-out damage to support a deduction
•A former tenant is threatening a small claims filing over a deposit
•Move-out condition is disputed and there's no clear move-in record
•A landlord kept a deposit past the 21-day deadline with no itemized statement
•Deductions were charged for normal wear and tear, not actual damage
What to expect

How we approach a deposit dispute

Document Review

We review the lease, move-in/move-out records, and any itemized statement.

Defensible Response

For landlords, we prepare a documented, defensible itemization. For tenants, we send a formal demand.

Negotiation

Many deposit disputes resolve without litigation once both sides see a clear, documented position.

Small Claims or Suit

Where needed, we help prepare or defend a small claims filing for the disputed amount.

Hosep Yepremian
Your attorney

Hosep Yepremian

Hosep Yepremian represents landlords defending legitimate deductions and tenants seeking the return of an improperly withheld deposit, across Glendale and Los Angeles County.

Licensed to Practice in California Landlord-Tenant Law Focus Eviction Defense Focus Based in Glendale, CA.

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Frequently asked questions

Security Deposit Questions We Hear Often

As a landlord, how do I protect myself from a deposit dispute?
Thorough move-in and move-out documentation, itemized deduction statements sent within the legal deadline, and receipts for any repair or cleaning costs are the most effective ways to support a deduction if it's ever challenged.
How long do I have to return a security deposit in California?
Landlords generally must return the deposit, or an itemized statement of deductions with any remaining balance, within 21 days after the tenant moves out.
What can I legally deduct from a security deposit?
Unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, and cleaning needed to return the unit to its move-in condition. Ordinary wear and tear typically cannot be deducted.
What happens if a tenant disputes a deduction I made?
They may demand an itemized statement or pursue a small claims filing. Having thorough documentation from move-in through move-out is what typically determines the outcome.
Client experiences

What clients say

""Helped me document damage properly so my deduction held up when the tenant pushed back.""
— Glendale landlord
""Got my full deposit back after my old landlord tried to keep it without an itemized reason.""
— Glendale tenant
""Resolved the whole dispute with a letter, no small claims filing needed.""
— Glendale landlord

Don't let a disputed deposit go unresolved.

Call now for a free review of your deposit situation.