Unclaimed Utility and Rental Deposits in California

Last updated 2026-07-28

Moving is when most unclaimed utility and rental deposits are created. A refund gets mailed to the address you just left, and if it doesn't reach you, the utility or landlord eventually reports it to the state rather than keeping it. With California's high rate of renter turnover, this is one of the most common property types in the database.

How deposit refunds go unclaimed

When you close a utility account or move out of a rental, any remaining deposit balance is supposed to be refunded to you — usually by mailed check to your last known address. If you've already moved and didn't leave a forwarding address, or the check arrives after you've moved again, it can go unclaimed.

After a period of inactivity, utilities and property managers are required to report these unclaimed refunds to the state rather than holding them indefinitely themselves.

Utility deposits specifically

Electric, gas, water, and other utility providers often require a deposit when you open service, particularly if you're a new customer without an established payment history. When you close the account in good standing, that deposit — plus any final credit balance — is due back to you.

Search under the name you used to open the utility account, and under every address where you've held utility service.

Security deposits from rentals

A landlord or property management company that can't reach a former tenant for a security deposit refund is also required to report it as unclaimed property after a period of time.

This applies whether you rented from a large management company or an individual landlord — both are considered holders under the law.

Finding your deposit

Search your name for free at claimit.ca.gov or through a service like ours, listing every address where you've rented or held utility service. To claim, you'll typically need a photo ID and documentation connecting you to the address, such as an old lease or utility bill.

Filing directly with the state is always free. If you'd like help with the process, a service's fee is capped at 10% of what's recovered under California law, and only applies if the claim succeeds.

Frequently asked questions

I moved out years ago and never got my security deposit back. Can I still claim it?

Yes, if it was reported to the state as unclaimed property. Search under your name and the address of the rental, and there's no deadline for filing.

How do I know which utility company to search under?

You don't need to know in advance — search results are organized by your name, not the utility company, so the right record will surface if it exists.

I've rented several apartments over the years. Should I search separately for each?

You only need to search your name once; any matching records across different addresses and holders will all appear in the results.

Is there a minimum deposit amount that gets reported?

Reporting rules are set by state law and can capture even modest amounts, so it's worth checking regardless of how small you think the deposit might have been.

Related guides

• How to Find Unclaimed Money in California (Free Search)
• Unclaimed Paychecks and Final Wages in California
• What Documents Do I Need to Claim Unclaimed Property in California?