Southern California Landlord Ordered to Repay Withheld Security Deposits
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.
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