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California rules at a glance
Six rules that shape most California matters. Know these first, then open the guide or document for your situation; the pins spread them over the map so they are easy to read.
Divorce
- Divorce residency6 months
- Generally, one spouse must have lived in California for 6 months, and in the county of filing for 3 months, before filing the petition.
- Source: Fam. Code §2320
- Waiting period6 months
- A marriage can't end until at least 6 months after the responding spouse was served or first appeared in the case, whichever is first, or after a joint petition was filed.
- Source: Fam. Code §2339
Landlord & tenant
- Notice for unpaid rent3 days
- Generally, a landlord must serve a written notice to pay rent or quit, giving 3 days that don't count Saturdays, Sundays, or judicial holidays, before filing an eviction case.
- Source: Code Civ. Proc. §1161
- Security deposits21 days
- Generally due back, or accounted for with an itemized statement of deductions, within 21 days after the tenant moves out.
- Source: Civ. Code §1950.5
Civil disputes
- Small claims limit$12,500
- Small claims court generally hears claims of up to $12,500 brought by an individual, and up to $6,250 brought by a business or other entity.
- Source: California Courts Self-Help: small claims
Business formation
- LLC filing fee$70
- The Secretary of State's fee to file California LLC Articles of Organization is $70. A $20 Statement of Information and an annual tax, generally $800, follow.
- Source: California Secretary of State: LLC fees
Checked against California statutes and official pages, October 2026. Laws change, and your facts, court, and local rules can change what applies. Confirm current law or ask an attorney before relying on a figure.
Every California guide and document
36 step-by-step California guides and 58 California documents, grouped by area of law. Every link opens the California version.
Real Estate Law
Guides · 8
Family Law
Guides · 9
Estate Planning and Probate Law
Employment Law
Business Law
Guides · 5
Civil Litigation
Small Claims Law
Guides · 1
Consumer Protection Law
Guides · 2
Documents · 1
Criminal Records Law
Guides · 1
Debt & Bankruptcy Law
Employment
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- Tell me what happened.
- My landlord kept my deposit after I moved out.
- Which California county is this in?
- Los Angeles County
- What would you like this document to do?
- Get the deposit back and an explanation of any deductions.
- Security deposit requestFirst draft ready to review
I am writing to request the return of my security deposit and an itemized list of any deductions.
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12. Security deposit. Landlord will refund the deposit, less deductions for damage beyond normal wear and tear1, or an itemized statement of deductions with any remaining balance, within 21 days after Tenant vacates.
Does carpet wear from two years of normal living count as damage?
18. Default. If rent is late, Landlord may serve Tenant a written notice to pay rent or quit within three days2, not counting Saturdays, Sundays, or judicial holidays; if Tenant does not pay in full within that time, Landlord may file an unlawful detainer action.
If I get the notice on a Thursday, which day is my last day to pay?
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