Security Deposit Limit Lookup
Pick your state to see the most a landlord can charge, the deadline to return your deposit, and whether interest or a separate account is required. These are facts from the statute, not legal advice.
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Look up your state's deposit rules
100% freeYour state's rules at a glance
- This is general information compiled from state statutes, not legal advice, and the law can change. Verify the cited statute before you rely on it.
- Cities and counties can add stricter rules (lower caps, required interest, faster deadlines) on top of state law. Check your local ordinance too.
- Caps often exclude separate pet deposits, last-month's rent, or non-refundable cleaning fees. Read your lease for how each amount is labeled.
- If a landlord is withholding your deposit past the deadline, many states allow penalty damages, sometimes two to three times the deposit plus fees.
Information only, not legal advice. Deposit limits, deadlines, and interest rules vary by state and by city. Verify the cited statute and check local ordinances before relying on this.
How security deposit caps work
A security deposit cap is the most a landlord can collect up front to cover unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear. About twenty states set no statutory limit, leaving the amount to the market and the lease. The rest cap it, most often at one or two months' rent.
The cap usually covers only the refundable security deposit. Separate pet deposits, the last month's rent paid in advance, and clearly non-refundable fees are often counted differently, so what your lease calls each amount matters.
The deadline to return your deposit
Every state sets a clock for returning the deposit after you move out, usually between fourteen and sixty days. The most common deadline is thirty days. Arizona and New York are among the fastest at fourteen days, while Alabama and Arkansas allow up to sixty.
The landlord generally must return the full deposit, or send an itemized list of deductions with whatever is left, before the deadline. Miss it, and many states let you recover penalty damages on top of the deposit.
| If the landlord misses the deadline | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Itemized deductions not sent in time | The landlord may lose the right to keep any of the deposit in some states. |
| Bad-faith withholding | Penalty damages, often two to three times the deposit, plus attorney's fees. |
| No forwarding address given | The clock may pause until you provide one, so always send your address in writing. |
Interest and separate-account rules
Some states treat your deposit as your money being held, not the landlord's to spend. They require it to sit in a separate or escrow account, and a number of them require the landlord to pay you interest, sometimes only for larger buildings or longer tenancies.
States like Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and the District of Columbia require interest. New York requires both interest and a separate account for buildings of six or more units. Where these rules apply, breaking them can carry its own penalties, so the lookup flags both for your state.
How to get your full deposit back
Most deposit disputes are won or lost at move-in and move-out, not in court. A little documentation goes a long way.
If the deadline passes with no deposit and no itemized list, a short written demand that cites your state's statute and deadline often resolves it. If it does not, small claims court is built for exactly this kind of dispute.
Security deposit limits by state
Search any state to see its cap and the deadline to return the deposit. Open the lookup above for the interest and separate-account rules and the statute citation.
Frequently asked questions
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit?
It depends on your state. Many cap the deposit at one or two months' rent, while about twenty states set no statutory limit and leave the amount to the lease. Select your state in the lookup to see the cap and the statute.
How long does a landlord have to return my deposit?
Usually between fourteen and sixty days after you move out, with thirty days the most common. The landlord generally must return the deposit or send an itemized list of deductions before the deadline. The lookup shows your state's deadline.
Does my landlord have to pay interest on my deposit?
In some states, yes. States like Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and DC require interest, and a few require it only for larger buildings or longer tenancies. The lookup flags whether interest is required in your state.
Can a landlord keep my whole deposit?
Only for legitimate, documented reasons such as unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear. Routine wear, like faded paint or minor carpet wear, generally cannot be deducted. Many states require an itemized statement for any deduction.
What is normal wear and tear?
It is the gradual decline that comes from ordinary living, such as light scuffs, minor nail holes, or worn carpet in walkways. Damage like large holes, stains, or broken fixtures is different and can be deducted. The line varies by state and by how long you lived there.
What if the landlord misses the return deadline?
Many states penalize a landlord who returns the deposit late or in bad faith, often two to three times the deposit plus attorney's fees. A written demand citing the statute and deadline is a good first step, followed by small claims court if needed.
Is a pet deposit part of the security deposit cap?
Often it is treated separately, but it depends on the state and how the lease labels it. Some states fold pet and other deposits into the overall cap, while others allow a separate pet deposit. Check your lease and your state's statute.
Do I have to give a forwarding address to get my deposit back?
In many states the return clock does not start, or the landlord's duty is reduced, until you provide a forwarding address in writing. Always send your new address to the landlord in writing when you move out, and keep a copy.