Security Deposit Laws by State
Every US state has its own security deposit statute — with different return deadlines (14 to 60 days), deposit caps (1 month to no limit), bad faith penalties (2× to 3×), and interest requirements. Find your state below for the full legal guide.
50
States Covered
Complete coverage
14 days
Fastest Deadline
8 states under 21 days
60 days
Slowest Deadline
10 states over 30 days
30 days
Most Common
32 states in 21–30 day range
Understanding State-by-State Differences
Security deposit law in the United States is governed entirely at the state level — there is no single federal statute. This means the rules your landlord must follow depend entirely on which state your rental property is located in. The differences are substantial and directly impact how much money you can recover if your landlord violates the law.
Return deadlines range from as few as 14 days (New York, Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Nebraska, South Dakota, Vermont) to as many as 60 days (Alabama, Arkansas, West Virginia). Most states fall in the 21–30 day range. Missing this deadline is the most common landlord violation and the easiest for tenants to prove in court.
Deposit caps vary widely. States like California (1 month's rent), New York (1 month's rent), and Kansas (1 month's rent) have strict limits. Others like Texas, Florida, Colorado, and Ohio impose no statutory cap at all, leaving the amount entirely to landlord-tenant negotiation.
Bad faith penalties are the most powerful tool tenants have. In states like Texas ($100 + 3× deposit), Massachusetts (mandatory 3×), and Georgia (3× plus attorney fees), a landlord who wrongfully withholds a $2,000 deposit can be ordered to pay $6,000 or more. These statutory multipliers exist to make deposit theft unprofitable for landlords.
Interest requirements apply in approximately 15 states. New Jersey, Maryland, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and others require landlords to hold deposits in interest-bearing accounts and pay or credit the interest to tenants. Failure to do so can result in penalties even if the deposit is otherwise properly returned.
50-State Comparison Table
| State | Deadline | Max Deposit | Penalty | Interest? | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 60 days | 1 month's rent | Double the amount wrongfully withheld | No | Ala. Code § 35-9A-201 |
| Alaska | 14 days | 2 months' rent (except if rent exceeds $2,000) | Double the amount wrongfully withheld | No | Alaska Stat. § 34.03.070 |
| Arizona | 14 days | 1.5 months' rent | Double the amount wrongfully withheld | No | Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 33-1321 |
| Arkansas | 60 days | 2 months' rent | Double the amount wrongfully withheld | No | Ark. Code § 18-16-301 |
| California | 21 days | 1 month's rent (most landlords); small landlords with ≤2 properties/4 units may charge up to 2 months' rent | Up to 2x the deposit amount in bad faith | No | Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5 |
| Colorado | 30 days | No statutory limit | 3x the amount wrongfully withheld | No | Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-103 |
| Connecticut | 30 days | 2 months' rent (1 month if tenant is 62 or older) | Double the amount wrongfully withheld | Yes | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21 |
| Delaware | 20 days | 1 month's rent (for unfurnished units with leases of 1 year or more) | Double the amount wrongfully withheld | No | Del. Code tit. 25, § 5514 |
| Florida | 15 days | No statutory limit | Forfeiture of right to make claims plus attorney fees | No | Fla. Stat. § 83.49 |
| Georgia | 30 days | No statutory limit | 3x the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees | No | Ga. Code § 44-7-34 |
| Hawaii | 14 days | 1 month's rent | Full return plus damages up to 3x wrongful withholding | No | Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-44 |
| Idaho | 21 days | No statutory limit | 3x the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees | No | Idaho Code § 6-321 |
| Illinois | 45 days | No statutory limit | 2x the deposit amount plus attorney fees | Yes | 765 ILCS 710/ |
| Indiana | 45 days | No statutory limit | Return of deposit plus attorney fees | No | Ind. Code § 32-31-3-12 |
| Iowa | 30 days | 2 months' rent | Up to 2x the deposit in bad faith | Yes | Iowa Code § 562A.12 |
| Kansas | 30 days | 1 month's rent (1.5 months if furnished) | 1.5x the amount wrongfully withheld | No | Kan. Stat. § 58-2550 |
| Kentucky | 30 days | No statutory limit | Actual damages plus attorney fees | No | Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.580 |
| Louisiana | 30 days | No statutory limit | Double the amount wrongfully withheld or $200 | No | La. Rev. Stat. § 9:3251 |
| Maine | 30 days | 2 months' rent | Double the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees | No | Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 6033 |
| Maryland | 45 days | 1 month's rent (effective Oct 1, 2024) | 3x the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees | Yes | Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203 |
| Massachusetts | 30 days | 1 month's rent | 3x the deposit amount plus attorney fees | Yes | Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B |
| Michigan | 30 days | 1.5 months' rent | Double the amount wrongfully withheld | No | Mich. Comp. Laws § 554.609 |
| Minnesota | 21 days | No statutory limit | Punitive damages up to the amount wrongfully withheld plus interest | Yes | Minn. Stat. § 504B.178 |
| Mississippi | 45 days | No statutory limit | Actual damages plus $200 statutory damages | No | Miss. Code § 89-8-21 |
| Missouri | 30 days | 2 months' rent | Double the amount wrongfully withheld | No | Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.300 |
| Montana | 30 days | No statutory limit | Double the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees | No | Mont. Code § 70-25-202 |
| Nebraska | 14 days | 1 month's rent (pet deposit cap 0.25 month) | Return of deposit plus attorney fees | No | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416 |
| Nevada | 30 days | 3 months' rent | Punitive damages up to the original deposit amount | No | Nev. Rev. Stat. § 118A.242 |
| New Hampshire | 30 days | 1 month's rent | Double the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees | Yes | N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:6 |
| New Jersey | 30 days | 1.5 months' rent | Double the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees | Yes | N.J. Stat. § 46:8-21.1 |
| New Mexico | 30 days | 1 month's rent (for leases under 1 year) | Double the amount wrongfully withheld plus $250 | No | N.M. Stat. § 47-8-18 |
| New York | 14 days | 1 month's rent | Up to 2x the deposit amount in bad faith | Yes | N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108 |
| North Carolina | 30 days | 2 weeks (weekly), 1.5 months (monthly), 2 months (longer) | Return of deposit plus attorney fees | No | N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-52 |
| North Dakota | 30 days | 1 month's rent (2 months if pet or felony) | Up to 3x the amount wrongfully withheld | Yes | N.D. Cent. Code § 47-16-07.1 |
| Ohio | 30 days | No statutory limit | Double the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees | No | Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16 |
| Oklahoma | 45 days | No statutory limit | Return of wrongfully withheld amount plus attorney fees | No | Okla. Stat. tit. 41, § 115 |
| Oregon | 31 days | No statutory limit | Double the amount wrongfully withheld | No | Or. Rev. Stat. § 90.300 |
| Pennsylvania | 30 days | 2 months' rent (1st year), 1 month (subsequent years) | Double the amount wrongfully withheld | Yes | 68 Pa. Stat. § 250.512 |
| Rhode Island | 20 days | 1 month's rent | Double the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees | No | R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19 |
| South Carolina | 30 days | No statutory limit | 3x the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees | No | S.C. Code § 27-40-410 |
| South Dakota | 14 days | 1 month's rent (pet exception allowed) | Double the amount wrongfully withheld or $200 | No | S.D. Codified Laws § 43-32-24 |
| Tennessee | 30 days | No statutory limit | Return of deposit plus attorney fees | No | Tenn. Code § 66-28-301 |
| Texas | 30 days | No statutory limit | $100 plus 3x the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees | No | Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103 |
| Utah | 30 days | No statutory limit | $100 statutory damages plus full deposit plus attorney fees | No | Utah Code § 57-17-3 |
| Vermont | 14 days | No statutory limit | Double the amount wrongfully withheld | No | Vt. Stat. tit. 9, § 4461 |
| Virginia | 45 days | 2 months' rent | Double the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees | No | Va. Code § 55.1-1226 |
| Washington | 30 days | No statutory limit | Double the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees | No | Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.280 |
| West Virginia | 60 days | No statutory limit | Double the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees | No | W. Va. Code § 37-6A-2 |
| Wisconsin | 21 days | No statutory limit | Double the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees | No | Wis. Stat. § 704.28 |
| Wyoming | 30 days | No statutory limit | Actual damages plus attorney fees and costs | No | Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-1208 |
Key Takeaways for Tenants
Always know your state's deadline before you move out
The return deadline clock starts ticking the day you vacate and return keys. Missing this fact can delay your ability to take legal action.
Send your forwarding address in writing
In most states, the deadline doesn't start until the landlord has your forwarding address. Send it via certified mail on your last day to start the clock.
Document everything with photos and video
Move-in and move-out photos are the single most powerful evidence in deposit disputes. Take them in every room, including inside appliances and closets.
A demand letter is your first legal step
Before filing in small claims court, send a formal demand letter citing your state's statute. Many landlords pay immediately upon receiving one.
Bad faith penalties make fighting worth it
In states with 2×–3× penalty multipliers, a $1,500 deposit dispute can become a $4,500+ judgment. The penalties exist to make it worth your time to fight.
Legal Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Security deposit laws change frequently. Always verify current statutes with your state's official legal resources or consult a licensed attorney. Last reviewed July 2026.
Alabama
ALLearn about Alabama security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under Ala. Code § 35-9A-201.
Return Limit
60 days
Deposit Cap
1 month's rent
Alaska
AKLearn about Alaska security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under Alaska Stat. § 34.03.070.
Return Limit
14 days
Deposit Cap
2 months' rent (except if rent exceeds $2,000)
Arizona
AZLearn about Arizona security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 33-1321.
Return Limit
14 days
Deposit Cap
1.5 months' rent
Arkansas
ARLearn about Arkansas security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under Ark. Code § 18-16-301.
Return Limit
60 days
Deposit Cap
2 months' rent
California
CALearn about California security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5.
Return Limit
21 days
Deposit Cap
1 month's rent (most landlords); small landlords with ≤2 properties/4 units may charge up to 2 months' rent
Colorado
COLearn about Colorado security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-103.
Return Limit
30 days
Deposit Cap
No statutory limit
Connecticut
CTLearn about Connecticut security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21.
Return Limit
30 days
Deposit Cap
2 months' rent (1 month if tenant is 62 or older)
Delaware
DELearn about Delaware security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under Del. Code tit. 25, § 5514.
Return Limit
20 days
Deposit Cap
1 month's rent (for unfurnished units with leases of 1 year or more)
Florida
FLLearn about Florida security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under Fla. Stat. § 83.49.
Return Limit
15 days
Deposit Cap
No statutory limit
Georgia
GALearn about Georgia security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under Ga. Code § 44-7-34.
Return Limit
30 days
Deposit Cap
No statutory limit
Hawaii
HILearn about Hawaii security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-44.
Return Limit
14 days
Deposit Cap
1 month's rent
Idaho
IDLearn about Idaho security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under Idaho Code § 6-321.
Return Limit
21 days
Deposit Cap
No statutory limit
Illinois
ILLearn about Illinois security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under 765 ILCS 710/.
Return Limit
45 days
Deposit Cap
No statutory limit
Indiana
INLearn about Indiana security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under Ind. Code § 32-31-3-12.
Return Limit
45 days
Deposit Cap
No statutory limit
Iowa
IALearn about Iowa security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under Iowa Code § 562A.12.
Return Limit
30 days
Deposit Cap
2 months' rent
Kansas
KSLearn about Kansas security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under Kan. Stat. § 58-2550.
Return Limit
30 days
Deposit Cap
1 month's rent (1.5 months if furnished)
Kentucky
KYLearn about Kentucky security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.580.
Return Limit
30 days
Deposit Cap
No statutory limit
Louisiana
LALearn about Louisiana security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under La. Rev. Stat. § 9:3251.
Return Limit
30 days
Deposit Cap
No statutory limit
Maine
MELearn about Maine security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 6033.
Return Limit
30 days
Deposit Cap
2 months' rent
Maryland
MDLearn about Maryland security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203.
Return Limit
45 days
Deposit Cap
1 month's rent (effective Oct 1, 2024)
Massachusetts
MALearn about Massachusetts security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B.
Return Limit
30 days
Deposit Cap
1 month's rent
Michigan
MILearn about Michigan security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under Mich. Comp. Laws § 554.609.
Return Limit
30 days
Deposit Cap
1.5 months' rent
Minnesota
MNLearn about Minnesota security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under Minn. Stat. § 504B.178.
Return Limit
21 days
Deposit Cap
No statutory limit
Mississippi
MSLearn about Mississippi security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under Miss. Code § 89-8-21.
Return Limit
45 days
Deposit Cap
No statutory limit
Missouri
MOLearn about Missouri security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.300.
Return Limit
30 days
Deposit Cap
2 months' rent
Montana
MTLearn about Montana security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under Mont. Code § 70-25-202.
Return Limit
30 days
Deposit Cap
No statutory limit
Nebraska
NELearn about Nebraska security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416.
Return Limit
14 days
Deposit Cap
1 month's rent (pet deposit cap 0.25 month)
Nevada
NVLearn about Nevada security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under Nev. Rev. Stat. § 118A.242.
Return Limit
30 days
Deposit Cap
3 months' rent
New Hampshire
NHLearn about New Hampshire security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:6.
Return Limit
30 days
Deposit Cap
1 month's rent
New Jersey
NJLearn about New Jersey security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under N.J. Stat. § 46:8-21.1.
Return Limit
30 days
Deposit Cap
1.5 months' rent
New Mexico
NMLearn about New Mexico security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under N.M. Stat. § 47-8-18.
Return Limit
30 days
Deposit Cap
1 month's rent (for leases under 1 year)
New York
NYLearn about New York security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108.
Return Limit
14 days
Deposit Cap
1 month's rent
North Carolina
NCLearn about North Carolina security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-52.
Return Limit
30 days
Deposit Cap
2 weeks (weekly), 1.5 months (monthly), 2 months (longer)
North Dakota
NDLearn about North Dakota security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under N.D. Cent. Code § 47-16-07.1.
Return Limit
30 days
Deposit Cap
1 month's rent (2 months if pet or felony)
Ohio
OHLearn about Ohio security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16.
Return Limit
30 days
Deposit Cap
No statutory limit
Oklahoma
OKLearn about Oklahoma security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under Okla. Stat. tit. 41, § 115.
Return Limit
45 days
Deposit Cap
No statutory limit
Oregon
ORLearn about Oregon security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under Or. Rev. Stat. § 90.300.
Return Limit
31 days
Deposit Cap
No statutory limit
Pennsylvania
PALearn about Pennsylvania security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under 68 Pa. Stat. § 250.512.
Return Limit
30 days
Deposit Cap
2 months' rent (1st year), 1 month (subsequent years)
Rhode Island
RILearn about Rhode Island security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19.
Return Limit
20 days
Deposit Cap
1 month's rent
South Carolina
SCLearn about South Carolina security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under S.C. Code § 27-40-410.
Return Limit
30 days
Deposit Cap
No statutory limit
South Dakota
SDLearn about South Dakota security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under S.D. Codified Laws § 43-32-24.
Return Limit
14 days
Deposit Cap
1 month's rent (pet exception allowed)
Tennessee
TNLearn about Tennessee security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under Tenn. Code § 66-28-301.
Return Limit
30 days
Deposit Cap
No statutory limit
Texas
TXLearn about Texas security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103.
Return Limit
30 days
Deposit Cap
No statutory limit
Utah
UTLearn about Utah security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under Utah Code § 57-17-3.
Return Limit
30 days
Deposit Cap
No statutory limit
Vermont
VTLearn about Vermont security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under Vt. Stat. tit. 9, § 4461.
Return Limit
14 days
Deposit Cap
No statutory limit
Virginia
VALearn about Virginia security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under Va. Code § 55.1-1226.
Return Limit
45 days
Deposit Cap
2 months' rent
Washington
WALearn about Washington security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.280.
Return Limit
30 days
Deposit Cap
No statutory limit
West Virginia
WVLearn about West Virginia security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under W. Va. Code § 37-6A-2.
Return Limit
60 days
Deposit Cap
No statutory limit
Wisconsin
WILearn about Wisconsin security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under Wis. Stat. § 704.28.
Return Limit
21 days
Deposit Cap
No statutory limit
Wyoming
WYLearn about Wyoming security deposit return deadlines, statutory limits, permissible landlord deductions, and dispute resolution guidelines under Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-1208.
Return Limit
30 days
Deposit Cap
No statutory limit