Every state lets a landlord hold a security deposit, but the rules about how much, how fast it comes back, and what happens when a landlord keeps it unfairly differ a lot. The short version: most states give the landlord about a month after move-out to return the deposit or send an itemized list of deductions, and the most common deadline in our data is 30 days. 30 jurisdictions cap the deposit, usually at one or two months of rent, while 17 leave the amount to the lease.
The penalty is where tenants have the most leverage. Many statutes let a tenant recover a multiple of the amount wrongfully withheld, and some add attorney fees, which is why a short, polite demand letter that quotes the statute often gets the money back without a lawsuit. Deductions are generally limited to unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, and the landlord usually has to explain each one in writing.
The table below lists, for all 50 states and Washington, D.C., the cap on the deposit, the deadline to return it, the penalty for keeping it wrongly, and the statute behind each rule. Every number links back to the law it comes from.
Key patterns across the states
- 38 of 51 jurisdictions set a return deadline of 30 days or less; 23 use exactly 30 days.
- The shortest deadline is 14 days (Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Nebraska, New York and Vermont); the longest is 60 days (Alabama, Arkansas and West Virginia).
- 17 jurisdictions set no statutory cap on the deposit. 15 cap it at about one month of rent, and 11 allow two months or more.
- 23 jurisdictions let a tenant recover up to double the deposit or the amount withheld, and 8 allow triple damages.
- Not yet verified, so left out of these counts: deposit cap: 4.
Security deposit laws in all 50 states and D.C.
How we compiled this
We checked every rule on this page against the statute itself in November 2026, reading each state’s own code site or an official state guide such as an attorney general’s tenant handbook. A cell shows a rule only when we confirmed it against one of those primary sources. Where we could not confirm a rule, the cell says “Not yet verified” and links the statute so you can read it yourself. Simplified table entries leave out exceptions, so read the linked statute before you rely on a number.
Laws change. Legislatures amend these sections often, and cities and counties can add their own rules on top of state law. Confirm the current text of the statute, or ask a local legal aid office, before you act on a deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit?
It depends on the state. In our data the deadline runs from 14 to 60 days after the tenancy ends, and 38 of 51 jurisdictions require the deposit or an itemized list within 30 days. Many clocks start only once the tenant has moved out and given a forwarding address, so send that address in writing.
Can a landlord keep my deposit for normal wear and tear?
Deposit laws generally do not let a landlord charge for ordinary wear from everyday living, such as faded paint or light carpet wear. Deductions are for unpaid rent and damage beyond that. Our guide to normal wear and tear gives examples.
What can I do if my landlord keeps my deposit without a reason?
Send a written demand that cites your state’s statute and the deadline, keep a copy, and give a short deadline to pay. If that fails, small claims court handles most deposit disputes. See how to sue a landlord in small claims court.
Is there a limit on how much a landlord can charge as a deposit?
In 30 jurisdictions, yes; 17 set no statutory cap. Some states allow extra amounts for pets or furnished units, so check the statute linked in the table.
Does the landlord have to pay interest on my deposit?
Only some states and cities require interest, and the rules often depend on how long the deposit is held. This table does not track interest, so check your state statute or local ordinance.
Related guides and tools
- Security deposit law basics
- Normal wear and tear explained
- How to sue your landlord in small claims court
- Security deposit deadline checker
- Security deposit demand letter generator
- All tenant tools
This page is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your situation, talk to a licensed attorney or a local legal aid office. See our disclaimer.