A Security Deposit Must Be Returned Within 21 Days, But When Does That Time Period Start?

California Civil Code Section 1950.5 provides that a landlord must within 21 days of a tenant vacating the property refund their security deposit or provide the tenant with a list of items the deposit was used for and any remaining security deposit funds.  The time period for the 21 days starts the day the tenant moves out of the property, not the day the lease expires if the tenant moves prior to the expiration.