On August 31st I moved out of an apartment in California, along with my roommate, which we had occupied for 1.5 years. We had submitted our 30 day notice on July 31st (specifying our move-out date). We left that apartment in immaculate condition, with two exceptions: We re-spackled small nail holes in the wall (which we left unpainted), and we left the carpets un-shampooed at their suggestion (The management claimed to always recommend this, as they have a "very inexpensive" service they use). We received our deposit yesterday (Sept. 25th), which was postmarked Sept. 23 (technically late, as it was beyond 21 days after our move-out date... CCC 1950.5). From out $1000 deposit, they deducted $200 for cleaning the carpets, and $175 for spot painting the spackling on the walls without furnishing receipts (also breaking the rules set forth in CCC 1950.5, as the amount was over $125, and no receipts were included). Should my roommate and I address these issues? I'm a little ignorant about cleaning costs... do these costs seem appropriate?

Thanks!!

I would definitely approach the issue in writing to your previous landlord site the statutes that you have posted on here and ask for receipts. It is important that you stand up for what you believe to be the law. If they don't want to accommodate you in this request than it is acceptable to see how a judge would rule on it.