New landlord - security deposit question

[Matthew Colville]

I’m a new landlord in CA and missed the 21 day window to return the security deposit (I thought I had 30 days). Does that mean I forfeit any right to make any deductions for damage and must return the whole deposit?

[Russell Brazil]

Well you've broken the law by not returning it in the time frame. If you withhold now, and the tenant knows the law, you're setting yourself up for failure.