Not a Landlord? I'm A Renter
Home | Education | State | Legal

Security Deposit Laws by State

Jeanne Sanford | August 13, 2024 | 13 min read
Security Deposit
Last updated iconLast updated August 13th, 2024

Navigating the landscape of rental properties can be a complex endeavor for both landlords and tenants alike, with security deposits representing one of the most critical aspects of the leasing agreement. These financial safeguards are designed to protect landlords against potential damage to their property or unpaid rent, while also serving as a significant consideration for tenants as they plan their finances around a move. However, what is often less straightforward is the variation in security deposit laws from one state to another.

Stay informed and prepared, whether you’re drafting your next lease agreement or planning your move into a new rental home. Explore the varied landscape of security deposit laws across the U.S., ensuring that landlords and tenants alike can foster fair and lawful leasing relationships.

Streamline Your Rental Property Management

Marketing. Applications. Leases. Payments.

Get Started Today

Alabama

  • Maximum: 1 month’s rent
  • Returning: 60 days after the termination date and delivery of possession
  • Statute: § 35–9A-201(a), 35–9A-201(b)

Reference

Alaska

  • Maximum: 2 months’ rent, except for units renting for more than $2,000
  • Returning: 14 days if there are no deductions, 30 days with deductions
  • Statute: § 34.03.070(a), § 34.03.070(g)

Reference

Arizona

  • Maximum: 1.5 months’ rent
  • Returning: 14 days not including weekends and holidays from move-out inspection (excl. weekends and holidays)
  • Statute: § 33–1321

Reference

Arkansas

  • Maximum: 2 months’ rent
  • Returning: 60 days from termination of tenancy
  • Statute: § 18–16–304, § 18–16–305

Reference

California

  • Maximum: 2 months’ rent (unfurnished), 3 months’ rent (furnished) until July 1, 2024. After that date, the maximum is 1 month rent for all types of rentals
  • Returning: 21 days from the move-out date
  • Statute: 1950.5

Reference

Colorado

  • Maximum: 2 month’s rent (excluding pet deposit)
  • Returning: 1 month if mentioned in the lease, 2 months if not
  • Statute: C.R.S. § 38–12–102.5, § 38–12–103

Reference

Connecticut

  • Maximum: 1 month’s rent if tenant is 62 years or older, 2 months’ rent if younger
  • Returning: 30 days from the move-out date or 15 days from receiving the tenant’s new address
  • Statute: § 47a-21

Reference

Delaware

  • Maximum: 1 month’s rent for leases of one year or more. No limit on all others
  • Returning: 20 days from the termination date
  • Statute: Title 25 § 5514

Reference

Florida

  • Maximum: No limit
  • Returning: Up to 60 days if deductions, 15 days if no deductions
  • Statute: § 83.49(3)(a)

Reference

Georgia

  • Maximum: No limit
  • Returning: 30 days from the termination date
  • Statute: § 44–7–34

Reference

Hawaii

  • Maximum: 1 month’s rent (excluding pet fee)
  • Returning: 14 days from the termination date
  • Statute: § 521–44

Reference

Idaho

  • Maximum: No limit
  • Returning: 30 days if stated in the lease, 21 days if not
  • Statute: § 6–320, 321

Reference

Illinois

  • Maximum: No limit
    • Cook County, IL: 1.5 month’s rent
  • Returning: 30 days if deductions, 45 days if no deductions
    • Cook County, IL: 30 days
  • Statute: 765 ILCS 710

Reference

Indiana

  • Maximum: No limit
  • Returning: 45 days from the termination date
  • Statute: § 32–31–3–12

Reference

Iowa

  • Maximum: 2 months’ rent
  • Returning: 30 days after the tenant has vacated
  • Statute: § 562A.12

Reference

Kansas

  • Maximum: 1 month’s rent (unfurnished), 1.5 months’ rent (furnished) (not including pet deposit)
  • Returning: 14 days after making deductions or 30 days from the termination date
  • Statute: § 58–2550

Reference

Kentucky

  • Maximum: No limit
  • Returning: No deadline, but landlord must send written notice to tenant that a refund will be coming. If there is no response from tenant within 60 days, landlord may keep security deposit
  • Statute: § 383.580(6)

Reference

Louisiana

  • Maximum: No limit
  • Returning: 1 month from the termination date
  • Statute: Revised Statute 9:3251

Reference

Maine

  • Maximum: 2 months’ rent
  • Returning: 30 days if the lease is terminated, 21 days if fixed-tenancy at-will
  • Statute: § 6032, § 6033

Reference

Maryland

  • Maximum: 2 months’ rent
  • Returning: 45 days from the termination date
  • Statute: § 8–203

Reference

Massachusetts

  • Maximum: 1 month’s rent
  • Returning: 30 days after the tenant has vacated
  • Statute: Chapter 186, Section 15B

Reference

Michigan

  • Maximum: 1.5 months’ rent
  • Returning: 30 days from the end of occupancy
  • Statute: § 554.602, § 554.609

Reference

Minnesota

  • Maximum: No limit
  • Returning: 3 weeks from the termination date
  • Statute: § 504B.178

Reference

Mississippi

  • Maximum: No limit
  • Returning: 45 days from the end of tenancy
  • Statute: § 89–8–21

Reference

Missouri

  • Maximum: 2 months’ rent
  • Returning: 30 days from the termination of tenancy
  • Statute: § 535.300

Reference

Montana

  • Maximum: No limit
  • Returning: 10 days if no deductions, 30 days if deductions
  • Statute: § 70–25–202

Reference

Nebraska

  • Maximum: 1 month’s rent (excluding pet fee)
  • Returning: 14 days if no deductions, 14 days of move-out inspection
  • Statute: § 76–1416

Reference

Nevada

  • Maximum: 3 months’ rent
  • Returning: 30 days from the end of tenancy
  • Statute: NRS 118A.242

Reference

New Hampshire

  • Maximum: 1 month’s rent or $100, whichever is greater
  • Returning: 30 days, 20 days if the property is shared with the landlord
  • Statute: RSA 540-A:6, RSA 540-A:7

Reference

New Jersey

  • Maximum: 1.5 months’ rent
  • Returning: 30 days from the termination date
  • Statute: § 46:8–21.2, § 46:8–21.1

Reference

New Mexico

  • Maximum: 1 month’s rent for leases under one year. No limit for residential leases one year or more
  • Returning: 30 days from the termination date
  • Statute: § 47–8–18

Reference

New York

  • Maximum: 1 month’s rent unless the deposit is for a seasonal use dwelling unit
  • Returning: 14 days after the tenant has vacated
  • Statute: Emergency Tenant Protection Act 576/74(f), § 7–108 (e)

Reference

North Carolina

  • Maximum: 2 months’ rent for tenancies of more than 2 months; 1.5 months’ rent for month-to-month tenancies
  • Returning: 30 days along with itemized deductions if any. Landlord may have up to 60 days to determine deductions and return security deposit.
  • Statute: § 42–51, § 42–52

Reference

North Dakota

  • Maximum: 1 month’s rent (excluding pet deposit)
  • Returning: 30 days from the termination date
  • Statute: § 47–16–07.1

Reference

Ohio

  • Maximum: No limit
  • Returning: 30 days from the termination date
  • Statute: § 5321.16

Reference

Oklahoma

  • Maximum: No limit
  • Returning: 45 days from the termination date
  • Statute: § 41–115(B)

Reference

Oregon

  • Maximum: No limit
  • Returning: 31 days from the termination date
  • Statute: § 90.300

Reference

Pennsylvania

  • Maximum: 2 months’ rent
  • Returning: 30 days from the termination date
  • Statute: § 250.511a, § 250.512

Reference

Rhode Island

  • Maximum: 1 month’s rent
  • Returning: 20 days from the termination date
  • Statute: § 34–18–19

Reference

South Carolina

  • Maximum: No limit
  • Returning: 30 days from the termination date
  • Statute: § 27–40–410

Reference

Certainly! Here are the revisions for South Dakota through Wyoming with the added links:

South Dakota

  • Maximum: 1 month’s rent
  • Returning: 14 days and then if lessee requests an itemization of all lawful deductions, landlord has 45 days to send that written notice
  • Statute: § 43.32-6.1 and 43-32-24

Reference

Tennessee

  • Maximum: No limit
  • Returning: 30 days from the termination date
  • Statute: § 66–28–301

Reference

Texas

  • Maximum: No limit
  • Returning: 30 days after the tenant has vacated
  • Statute: § 92.103

Reference

Utah

  • Maximum: No limit
  • Returning: 30 days from the termination date
  • Statute: § 57–17–3

Reference

Vermont

  • Maximum: 1 mo rent
  • Returning: 14 days, 60 days if a seasonal property
  • Statute: § 4461

Reference

Virginia

  • Maximum: 2 months’ rent
  • Returning: 45 days from the termination date or the date the tenant vacates the dwelling unit, whichever occurs last
  • Statute: § 55.1–1226

Reference

Washington

  • Maximum: No limit
  • Returning: 21 days from the tenant’s move-out date
  • Statute: § 59.18.280

Seattle

  • Maximum: 1 month rent
  • Return: 21 days

Tacoma

  • Maximum: 1 mo rent
  • Return: 21 days

Reference

West Virginia

  • Maximum: No limit
  • Returning: 60 days after tenancy ends or 45 days after another tenant moves in, whichever shorter
  • Statute: § 37–6A-2

Reference

Wisconsin

  • Maximum: No limit
  • Returning: 21 days from tenant’s vacancy date
  • Statute: § 134.06

Reference

Wyoming

  • Maximum: No limit
  • Returning: 30 days from lease termination or 15 days from receiving the tenant’s forwarding address, whichever is later
  • Statute: § 1–21–1208(A)

Reference

FAQ

How Much is a Security Deposit Usually?

The amount of a security deposit can vary widely depending on the state and the rental property itself. Generally, landlords may charge up to one to two months’ rent for a security deposit. However, some states have no limit on the amount a landlord can charge, while others specify maximum amounts. For example, in Alaska, the maximum security deposit is two months’ rent, except for units renting for more than $2,000 a month, which have no limit. It’s important to check the specific laws in your state for the most accurate information.

Does Section 8 Pay Security Deposit?

Section 8, a federal housing assistance program, does not directly pay for security deposits. The responsibility for the security deposit falls on the tenant. However, some local housing authorities or non-profit organizations may have programs or funds available to help Section 8 voucher holders with their security deposits. It’s advisable for Section 8 tenants to inquire with their local housing authority or a housing counselor for assistance or resources related to security deposits.

When is Security Deposit Due?

The security deposit is typically due at the time of lease signing or before the tenant moves into the rental unit. This timing can vary by landlord or management company, but it is common practice to collect the security deposit along with the first month’s rent before giving the tenant keys to the property. The specific requirements and timing should be outlined in the lease agreement.

Does Security Deposit Increase with Rent Increase?

Security deposits can increase with a rent increase, but this is subject to state laws and the terms of the lease agreement. Some states allow landlords to request additional security deposit funds to match rent increases, typically at the time of lease renewal. However, there may be limits to how much and how often a landlord can increase a security deposit. Tenants and landlords should refer to their state’s laws and their lease agreement for guidance.

Can Landlord Sue for Damages Beyond Security Deposit?

Yes, a landlord can sue a tenant for damages that exceed the amount of the security deposit. If the cost of repairs for damage to the property, unpaid rent, or other lease violations surpasses the security deposit, the landlord may pursue legal action to recover the additional funds. The landlord would need to provide evidence of the damages and their costs as part of the lawsuit. It’s important for both tenants and landlords to document the condition of the rental unit at move-in and move-out to support any claims related to damages.