Security Deposit Deductions
Clause Explained

21-day return deadline. Itemized statement required. No non-refundable deposits. Normal wear and tear cannot be deducted.

14-day return deadline. Itemized receipt required. Max deposit is 1 month's rent. Interest must be paid in buildings with 6+ units.

30-day return deadline. Itemized list of deductions required. No statutory cap on deposit amount.

15 days if no deductions, 30 days to notify of intent to claim. Landlord must hold in a separate account or post surety bond.

30–45 day return. Interest required if held for 6+ months (in Chicago). Itemized statement required for all deductions.

30-day return. Must provide itemized list. Landlord must hold deposit in escrow. Move-in inspection required for landlords with 10+ units.

21-day return. Detailed statement required. Landlord must document condition with a move-in checklist.

30-day return (or 60 if stated in lease). Itemized statement required. Normal wear and tear is not deductible.

30-day return. Deposit must be held in interest-bearing escrow. One of the strictest deposit laws in the country — violations allow treble damages.

30-day return. Interest or investment earnings must be paid annually. Deposit limited to 1.5 months' rent.

30-day return. Max deposit is 2 months' rent (1 month after first year). Itemized list required for any deductions.

30-day return. Itemized deductions required. No statutory cap on deposit amount.

45-day return. Itemized list required. Max deposit is 2 months' rent. Landlord must pay interest if held in certain accounts.

14 business days to return. Itemized statement required. Normal wear and tear not deductible. Max deposit is 1.5 months' rent.

30-day return. Itemized statement required within 30 days. Max deposit is 1.5 months' rent. Must be held in regulated financial institution.

30-day return. Itemized accounting required. Landlord must hold deposit in trust account. Max is 2 months (1.5 for month-to-month).

What is "normal wear and tear" vs. damage?

Normal wear and tear includes minor scuffs on walls, small nail holes, carpet wear from foot traffic, and fading from sunlight. Damage includes large holes in walls, stained or burned carpet, broken fixtures, and unauthorized modifications. Your landlord cannot deduct for normal wear and tear.

Can my landlord keep my deposit for cleaning?

Only if the unit is left dirtier than when you moved in (beyond normal use) or if your lease requires professional cleaning AND that requirement is enforceable in your state. Many states prohibit mandatory cleaning charges if you leave the unit in reasonable condition.

What if my landlord doesn't return my deposit on time?

Most states impose penalties on landlords who miss the return deadline. Penalties range from forfeiting the right to make deductions to owing the tenant double or even triple the deposit amount. Check your state's specific deadline and penalties.

Do I need a move-in inspection to protect my deposit?

It's strongly recommended even if not legally required. Document the unit's condition with photos and a written checklist at move-in and move-out. Some states legally require landlords to provide a move-in condition report.

Can a landlord charge a non-refundable security deposit?

This depends entirely on state law. Some states (like California) prohibit non-refundable deposits. Others allow non-refundable fees if clearly labeled as such. If your lease calls it a "deposit" but says it's non-refundable, check whether that's legal in your state.