u/AccomplishedGood2618

I’ve been holding for nearly 16 HOURS the last two weeks trying to get a hold of someone in the balance due department.

After many attempts, I tried TAS 3 times, waited MANY hours, got transfer pins, lines dropped, and IF I finally get someone to answer and I say hello, and then they HANG UP.

I’m trying to resolve a CP532 letter notice. I paid my monthly payment early thinking that would satisfy my payment schedule for the month, but it didn’t. The automatic payment failed. I didn’t have enough money in my account for a second payment because times are tough and I was trying to get ahead of all my payments before I had nothing in my account.

The system recognized the automated payment as a fail and discontinued my payment plan although I’ve continued to pay the monthly amount. Now I owe what I owe PLUS a couple hundred dollars in fees. I’m trying to resolve the payment plan and the fees waved because I WAS paying earlier than the due date and had every intention to continue paying.

I’ve been BALLING MY EYES OUT. I’ve been trying to be on top of this because there is a deadline to resolve this.

I’m wondering if anyone has ACTUALLY spoke to anyone to help them?? I just can’t believe I’ve spent this much time on the phone and gotten absolutely no where.

I may have to go through this process myself and might make a post regarding my situation, but wondering what your experience was like. Did you win? Did they show up? What was the process like for you?

EDIT: Sorry y’all don’t know how to google even though you’re chronically on the Internet. 😭 I FIGURED if you actually went through the experience you’d know what I’m referring to. But yeah, please give me your two cents even though you have no idea what I’m talking about.

Here’s the information on California Civil Code § 1950.5

California Civil Code § 1950.5 governs residential security deposits. It limits deposit amounts, dictates how landlords can use the funds, and mandates a strict 21-day timeline for landlords to return deposits and provide itemized deductions. [1, 2, 3]
Key rules and tenant rights include:

Deposit Limits: A landlord's total security deposit cannot exceed one month’s rent for an unfurnished unit, and two months' rent for furnished units. (Small landlords owning no more than 2 residential properties and 4 total units may still charge up to two months' rent). All deposits must be fully refundable.

Permitted Deductions: Landlords can only withhold funds for past-due rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, and reasonable cleaning costs required to return the unit to the same level of cleanliness as when it was leased.

The 21-Day Rule: Within 21 days of you moving out, the landlord must refund your deposit in full or mail/personally deliver an itemized written statement of deductions and refund any remaining balance.

Receipts Required: If deductions for repairs or cleaning exceed $\$125$, the landlord must include copies of receipts or vendor invoices for the materials and labor with the itemized statement.

Required Photographs: Landlords must take photographs of the unit after the tenant vacates but before starting any repairs or cleanings for which they will make a deduction.

Pre-Move-Out Inspection: Tenants have the right to request a preliminary inspection within the last 14 days of the tenancy to identify and fix issues to avoid deductions.

Bad Faith Penalties: If a landlord retains a deposit in bad faith (such as failing to provide the required 21-day statement or wrongfully withholding funds), a tenant can sue in small claims court for up to twice the amount of the deposit, in addition to the actual deposit.

I might jump in front of a bus. Has anyone actually spoke with a representative????

[CA] Renters: Have you taken your landlord to small claims court for California Civil Code §1950.5? What was your experience?