Jonathan LopezHow Long Do I Have to Back Out of a Woodland Hills Home Purchase and Still Get My Deposit Back?
Once a seller accepts your offer in Woodland Hills, the clock starts. Buyers want to know how long they can still walk away and what walking away costs. The answer depends on which contingencies are still in place, and that is set by dates and signatures.
The default deadlines
Grey Square's July 2026 guide to the California Residential Purchase Agreement describes defaults of 17 days for the inspection contingency, 17 days for the appraisal contingency, and 21 days for the loan contingency, counted from acceptance. Buyers and sellers can negotiate different periods, and in a competitive offer buyers often agree to shorter ones, so the contract in front of you controls.
Contingencies are removed, not expired
A contingency stays active until the buyer signs a written Contingency Removal form (Form CR). If a deadline passes without action, the seller can send a Notice to Perform, which starts a short clock for the buyer to respond.
What happens to the deposit
Grey Square reports the initial deposit in Los Angeles is typically 3 percent of the price. By my own arithmetic, 3 percent of Movoto's 91367 median of $1,199,000 is about $35,970. A buyer who cancels under a contingency that is still active, and follows the contract's notice rules, can generally recover the deposit. After all contingencies are removed, the deposit is generally at risk if the buyer cannot close. The outcome depends on the contract language, so a real estate attorney should confirm any specific situation.
The current 91367 market
Per Movoto (updated September 30, 2026), 91367 has 222 active listings, 41 of them price-reduced, and homes average 41 days on market versus 33 a year ago, with 212 sales in August versus 177 a year earlier. That is a data point, not a forecast, and a shorter negotiated window changes the math.
What I would do with the window
Book inspections in the first few days, not the last few. Ask your lender for a realistic appraisal and loan timeline before you write the offer. Put every removal date on a calendar. Remove a contingency because the question it covers has been answered, not because the day arrived.
Related reading: my first-time buyers guide.
This is general information, not tax, legal or investment advice. Figures are averages or examples and may not apply to a specific property.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I have to inspect a home after my offer is accepted in California?
The default in the California Residential Purchase Agreement is 17 days from acceptance, though the parties can negotiate a different period.
Is the loan contingency the same length?
No. The default loan contingency is 21 days, and it can be extended by mutual addendum.
Do contingencies automatically end when the deadline passes?
No. A contingency stays active until the buyer signs a written removal. If a deadline passes, the seller can send a Notice to Perform.
Can I get my deposit back if I cancel during the contingency period?
Generally yes, if you cancel for a reason covered by a contingency still in place and follow the contract's notice requirements.
How much is the deposit in Los Angeles?
Typically about 3 percent of the price. On Movoto's 91367 median of $1,199,000, that is roughly $35,970 by my own arithmetic.
What if I remove all contingencies and then change my mind?
Your deposit is generally at risk. Talk to a real estate attorney about your specific contract before deciding.
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