Suing for a Deposit in Virginia: $5,000 Small Claims, No Lawyers
Virginia deposit suits up to $5,000 go to small claims, where parties speak for themselves. Willful violations add actual damages and attorney fees.
Suing for a Deposit in Vermont: 14-Day Forfeit, $10,000 Limit
Vermont landlords who miss the 14-day deadline forfeit the deposit. Sue in small claims up to $10,000; willful violations mean double damages and fees.
Suing for a Deposit in Utah: 5-Day Notice and $20,000 Limit
Utah renters must serve a statutory 5-business-day notice before suing. Then small claims can award the full deposit, prepaid rent and a $100 penalty.
Suing for a Deposit in Texas: $20,000 JP Limit and 3x Penalty
Texas tenants sue for deposits in justice court up to $20,000. Bad-faith landlords owe $100 plus 3x the amount withheld plus fees under § 92.109.
Tennessee Security Deposit Lawsuit: Dissent in Writing, $25,000
Suing for a deposit in Tennessee general sessions court: the written-dissent rule, the 60-day refund trap, 14-day notice and fees under 66-28-501.
South Dakota Security Deposit Lawsuit: 21 Days or Forfeit It All
Suing for a deposit in South Dakota: the 21-day rule, forfeiture and $200 bad-faith damages under SDCL 43-32-24, the $12,000 limit and UJS fees.
South Carolina Security Deposit Lawsuit: Triple Damages, $7,500
Suing for a deposit in South Carolina: the demand that starts the 30-day clock, triple damages under 27-40-410(b), the $7,500 limit and $80 fee.
Rhode Island Security Deposit Lawsuit: $5,000 Cap, 2x Damages
Suing for a deposit in Rhode Island: the 20-day rule, amount due plus twice the amount withheld under 34-18-19, the $5,000 small claims cap and appeals.
Pennsylvania Security Deposit Lawsuit: Double Damages, $12,000
Suing a Pennsylvania landlord for a deposit: the written-address rule, double damages and landlord’s burden under 68 P.S. 250.512, MDJ fees to $12,000.
Oregon Security Deposit Lawsuit: Double Damages, No Appeal
Suing for a deposit in Oregon small claims: the 31-day accounting rule, double damages under ORS 90.300(16), the $10,000 limit and $57/$102 fees.