NEWS

Southern California Landlord Ordered to Repay Withheld Security Deposits [Orange County, CA]

Southern California Landlord Ordered to Repay Withheld Security Deposits

arnel security deposit issue

ORANGE COUNTY, CA (March 30, 2024) — Arnel Management Company, a corporate landlord with 19 apartment complexes across Los Angeles and Orange counties, has been ordered to pay over $1 million in refunds to tenants. 

The California Attorney General’s Office accused the company of illegally withholding security deposits by automatically deducting preset cleaning charges, a practice that violates state law.

The investigation into the Arnel security deposit issue revealed that these fees were deducted regardless of an apartment’s condition upon a tenant’s departure. To avoid these charges, tenants were forced to hire professional cleaning services, an option that sidesteps the essence of California’s tenant protection laws.

This isn’t Arnel’s first brush with the law regarding security deposit withholding; a similar settlement was reached in 2001. California law stipulates that landlords can only withhold cleaning fees if the apartment is left in a worse condition than at tenancy commencement. 

Tenants have the right to request a pre-move-out inspection to identify and address potential deductions, safeguarding their security deposits from unjust deductions for normal wear and tear.


For renters navigating the complexities of California’s tenant laws or facing unfair practices by landlords, legal assistance is crucial. RTM Law Firm, specializing in premises liability, offers expert guidance and support to ensure your rights are protected. Contact RTM Law Firm today for a consultation if you believe your security deposit has been wrongfully withheld or if you’re dealing with other tenancy issues.

Do you need compassionate support and effective representation?

No fees until we win. Available 24/7.

Get a Free Consultation

Get a Free Consultation

Fill out the form below and tell us more about your case.

We have time for your call.

We can help you

No Fees Unless We Win

Available 24/7

Our Personal Injury Attorneys Serve
The Following Locations And More In California

Our California personal injury attorneys handle a wide range of personal injury claims in several areas, including:

  • Anaheim, CA
  • Bakersfield, CA
  • Buena Park, CA
  • Chula Vista, CA
  • Compton, CA
  • Costa Mesa, CA
  • Dana Point, CA
  • Fountain Valley, CA
  • Glendale, CA
  • Huntington Beach, CA
  • Inglewood, CA
  • Irvine, CA
  • Laguna Beach, CA
  • Laguna Hills, CA
  • Laguna Niguel, CA
  • Long Beach, CA
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Mission Viejo, CA
  • Newport Beach, CA
  • Orange County, CA
  • Pasadena, CA
  • Riverside, CA
  • San Bernardino, CA
  • San Clemente, CA
  • San Diego, CA
  • San Juan Capistrano, CA
  • Santa Ana, CA
  • Seal Beach, CA
  • Torrance, CA
  • Tustin, CA
  • Visalia, CA
  • Vista, CA
  • Westminster, CA

Our Locations

RTM Law, APC | Personal Injury Attorney

1327 N Broadway,
Santa Ana, CA 92706
(949) 287-4342

RTM Law, APC Personal Injury Attorney

4900 California Avenue, 323 Tower B,
2nd Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93309
(661) 402-3200

RTM Law, APC Personal Injury Attorney

145 S Spring St #850,
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(323) 990-8853

RTM Law, APC Personal Injury Attorney

2916 W 16th St,
Torrance, CA 90504
(424) 999-7553

RTM Law, APC Personal Injury Attorney

16888 Nisqualli Rd #200,
Victorville, CA 92395
(760) 278-7810

RTM Law, APC Personal Injury Attorney

591 Camino De La Reina #1020,
San Diego, CA 92108
(858) 330-3314