California Code, Business and Professions Code - BPC § 10167.95

Prior to the acceptance of a fee, and in addition to the contract required pursuant to Section 10167.9, a licensee shall provide the prospective tenant with the following written notice, in a type size of at least 12-point type:

YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO A REFUND IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE SERVICES YOU HAVE BEEN PROMISED.  COMPLETE TERMS AND CONDITIONS GOVERNING THE REFUND TO WHICH YOU MAY BE ENTITLED ARE CONTAINED IN YOUR CONTRACT.  THE FOLLOWING IS A SIMPLIFIED SUMMARY OF SOME OF THE RIGHTS DESCRIBED IN YOUR CONTRACT:

If (name of licensee) does not provide you with at least three available rental properties meeting the specifications of your contract within five days after you pay the fee charged by (name of licensee), you are entitled to a full refund.  To obtain this refund, you must request it from (name of licensee) in writing within 15 days of paying your fee.

If you do not obtain a rental through the services of (name of licensee) during the term of your contract, you are entitled to a refund of your fee, minus a service charge, which may not exceed ____ dollars ($____).  To obtain this refund, you must provide (name of licensee) with written documentation or a signed statement that you obtained a rental without the assistance of (name of licensee) or that you did not move.  This documentation or signed statement must be provided to (name of licensee) with a written request for refund, within 10 days following the expiration of your contract.

If (name of licensee) fails to refund your money, as required by your contract, you may sue (name of licensee) in a small claims court.  The court may award you the refund you failed to receive, plus additional damages, up to $1,000.

If you wish to file a complaint about (name of licensee) or if you cannot collect on a court award, you should contact the Department of Real Estate at 1-877-373-4542 or www.dre.ca.gov.