Property Management
Under California law, a landlord who wrongfully withholds a tenant's security deposit beyond the statutory deadline must pay the tenant how much in addition to the actual amount wrongfully withheld?
A50% of the amount wrongfully withheld
BAn amount equal to the amount wrongfully withheld (double damages)✓ Correct
CTwice the amount wrongfully withheld (triple damages)
DA $1,000 statutory penalty
Explanation
California Civil Code Section 1950.5 provides that a landlord who in bad faith retains a security deposit or fails to provide the required itemized statement within 21 days can be liable for up to twice the amount of the security deposit in addition to actual damages. This 'double damages' provision deters wrongful withholding.
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