CA security deposit time limit

[lx612]

In CA’s civil code 1950.5 it states:
(f) Within three weeks after the tenant has vacated the premises, the landlord shall furnish the tenant, by personal delivery or by first-class mail, postage prepaid, a copy of an itemized statement indicating the basis for, and the amount of, any security received and the disposition of the security and shall return any remaining
portion of the security to the tenant
.
When he failed to return my security deposit, I sued him 5 months later and won the judgment for the full amount plus court costs. Can he still sue me for the water, electricity, gas billings, and damages that occurred while I was on premise? And win?
If the landlord fails to do what is stated in (f), does the tenant have legal rights to receive the full security deposit amount? What legal rights does the landlord have after the 21 days?

 

[LL]

Yes, he can still sue you for the water, electricity, gas billings, and damages that occurred while I was on premise, but it is not clear to me why he didn't bring that up when you sued him. He can win if he can prove a legitimate case.

If the landlord fails to do what is stated in (f), the tenant does not have any legal right in California to receive the full security amount. If you failed to clean the premises or caused damages, you will always be responsible for those amounts, and any other legitimate charges.

After the 21 days, the landlord has the legal right to vote if he is a citizen and registered voter, to drive a car while talking on a cell phone, and the right to manage his property as he sees fit subject to the laws, but he does not have the right to smoke in a public building.

 

[LL]

Sorry for the typing error in the previous posting.

It should read,

If the landlord fails to do what is stated in (f), the tenant does not have any legal right in California to receive the full security amount BECAUSE OF THE LANDLORD'S FAILURE.

Sorry about that.