Idaho Landlord-Tenant Law
Know your rights as a renter in Idaho. This guide covers security deposits, landlord entry, rent increases, eviction protections, and more under Idaho law.
Legal basis: Idaho landlord-tenant law — Idaho Code
21
Days to Return Deposit
No statutory limit
Max Deposit
No state rule
Entry Notice
Not Required
Deposit Escrow
What Idaho law says about deposits
Maximum Deposit
No statutory limit
Return Deadline
21 daysor up to 30 days if the lease sets it
Penalties, interest & late-fee rules under Idaho law
If your deposit is wrongfully or late returned
A tenant may sue over a deposit that was not returned as the law requires only after giving the landlord 3 days' written notice listing the failure (Idaho Code § 6-320(a)(4), (d)); the court may then enter judgment for three times the tenant's actual damages (Idaho Code § 6-317).
Interest on your deposit is not required
Grace period
No mandatory grace period
Must be in the lease
Yes — a late fee is only enforceable if it is written into your lease
Your privacy protections
Required Notice Period
No state rule
No Idaho statute sets entry notice; your lease's terms apply
No Idaho statute sets how much notice a landlord must give before entering. Your lease's entry terms apply, so check what it says about notice and entry times.
30 days notice
Legal basis: Idaho Code § 55-304(2)
3 days' written notice before you can sue
Legal basis: Idaho Code § 6-320
No general statute
Legal basis: Idaho Code §§ 55-2015, 67-5911
No statewide early-exit law
Legal basis: No state statute
Court process; no explicit lockout ban
Legal basis: Idaho Code §§ 6-301, 6-316, 6-317
Important facts about Idaho rental law
Idaho has no statutory limit on security deposits.
Idaho landlords must return deposits within 21 days (or 30 days if stated in lease).
Idaho landlords must provide itemized deductions in writing.
If an Idaho landlord fails to return a deposit, the tenant must first give 3 days' written notice; a court may then award three times the tenant's actual damages (Idaho Code §§ 6-320, 6-317).
Something else? Contact our team
Idaho does not have a statutory limit on security deposits.
Idaho landlords must return security deposits within 21 days after you move out (or up to 30 days if the lease sets it).
No Idaho statute sets how much notice a landlord must give before entering, so your lease's entry terms apply.
Late fees in Idaho: No statutory cap — late fees must be reasonable and no higher than the lease states; a new or higher fee in a written lease needs 30 days' written notice. No mandatory grace period.
30 days notice. 30 days' written notice before any rent increase (Idaho Code § 55-304(2)). No statewide cap, and local governments may not regulate rent (Idaho Code § 55-306). Source: Idaho Code § 55-304(2).
3 days' written notice before you can sue. Landlord must keep the home weatherproof, keep electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling and sanitary facilities working, and not keep it hazardous to health or safety (Idaho Code § 6-320(a)). Give 3 days' written notice listing each problem; if not fixed, you may sue for damages and a court order to repair (Idaho Code § 6-320(d)). A suit only for a repair order is set for trial within 12 days of filing (Idaho Code § 6-320(a)). No general repair-and-deduct; for missing smoke detectors, after certified-mail notice and 72 hours you may install them and deduct the cost (Idaho Code § 6-320(a)(6)). Source: Idaho Code § 6-320.
No general statute. Idaho has no general statute barring retaliation against a tenant who asks for repairs or joins a tenants' association (Idaho Code § 6-320 is only your damages action and says nothing about retaliation). Statutes do bar reprisal against residents of manufactured-home communities (Idaho Code § 55-2015) and against anyone who opposed housing discrimination or took part in a Human Rights Act proceeding (Idaho Code § 67-5911). The Idaho Attorney General's Landlord and Tenant Manual says a landlord may not evict you for requesting repairs or joining a tenants' association, but it cites no statute. Document every complaint and the landlord's response with dates. Source: Idaho Code §§ 55-2015, 67-5911.
No statewide early-exit law. Idaho has no statewide law that lets a domestic violence victim end a lease early. A court protection order may be able to order the abuser out of the home. If your home is federally assisted (public housing or a voucher), the federal Violence Against Women Act gives separate protections. A domestic violence hotline (1-800-799-7233) or legal aid can help you plan a safe move. Source: No state statute.
Court process; no explicit lockout ban. Idaho evictions run through the courts: a 3-day written notice, a court judgment, then the sheriff, with 72 hours after judgment to remove your belongings (Idaho Code §§ 6-303, 6-316). Turning a tenant out by force, threats or menacing conduct is forcible entry, and a court may award three times your actual damages (Idaho Code §§ 6-301, 6-317). No Idaho statute expressly bans lock changes or utility shut-offs; the Attorney General's Landlord and Tenant Manual (July 2026) says landlords may not use self-help but says it is not a restatement of the law. If you are locked out, get legal help right away and write down what happened. Source: Idaho Code §§ 6-301, 6-316, 6-317.
Idaho tenants have rights including security deposit protections, notice requirements for landlord entry, habitability standards, and protections against retaliation. Use Honestkey to analyze your specific lease against Idaho law.
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