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Know the rules before you pay. Every state sets different limits on how much a landlord can charge, when they must return it, and what happens if they don't. Enter your rent and state below to see your rights instantly.
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Enter your rent and state to see your rights
How Security Deposits Work
You Pay at Move-In
Your landlord collects a deposit — usually 1-2 months' rent — before you move in. State law limits the maximum amount.
It's Held During Your Lease
The deposit covers potential damage or unpaid rent. Some states require it to be held in a separate account with interest.
Returned After Move-Out
After you leave, your landlord must return the deposit (minus legitimate deductions) within the state deadline — or face penalties.
Security Deposit Limits by State
| State | Max Deposit | Return Deadline | Interest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 1 month's rent (exceptions for pets, alterations, or increased liability; § 35-9A-201) | 60 days | No |
| Alaska | 2 months' rent (no statutory limit if rent exceeds $2,000/month) | 14 days (proper termination notice given and no damage deductions); 30 days if damages are deducted or tenant gave no proper notice | No |
| Arizona | 1.5 months' rent | 14 business days | No |
| Arkansas | 2 months' rent (subchapter applies only where the landlord — counting units owned individually or collectively with spouse, minor children, and entities they control — owns 6 or more dwelling units; landlords with 5 or fewer units are exempt UNLESS the units are managed, including rent collection, by a paid third party; Ark. Code §§ 18-16-303, 18-16-304) | 60 days (same applicability: exempts landlords owning 5 or fewer dwelling units unless a paid third party manages/collects rent; Ark. Code §§ 18-16-303, 18-16-305) | No |
| California | 1 month's rent (2 months for small landlords with ≤2 properties/≤4 units; AB 12, July 2024) | 21 days | No |
| Colorado | 2 months' rent (C.R.S. § 38-12-102.5, effective Aug 7, 2023) | 30 days (unless lease specifies up to 60 days) | No |
| Connecticut | 2 months' rent (1 month for tenants 62+) | 21 days after termination, or 15 days after the tenant provides a forwarding address, whichever is later | Yes |
| Delaware | 1 month's rent (no limit for month-to-month leases) | 20 days | No |
| District of Columbia | 1 month's rent | 45 days | Yes |
| Florida | No statutory limit | 15 days (no deductions) or 30 days (with deductions and itemized notice) | Yes |
| Georgia | 2 months' rent (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-30.1, effective July 1, 2024, for residential leases entered into or renewed on or after that date) | 30 days | No |
| Hawaii | 1 month's rent (or 1 month's rent as security deposit plus an additional 1 month for pet deposit) | 14 days | No |
| Idaho | No statutory limit | 21 days (or up to 30 if specified in lease) | No |
| Illinois | No statutory limit | 45 days for full return; if withholding for damage, landlord must furnish an itemized statement of damages (with paid receipts) within 30 days of the tenant vacating the premises, or within 30 days of the end of the tenant's right of possession, whichever is later (765 ILCS 710/1, buildings with 5+ units). | Yes |
| Indiana | No statutory limit | 45 days | No |
| Iowa | 2 months' rent | 30 days | No |
| Kansas | 1 month's rent (unfurnished); 1.5 months' rent (furnished) | 30 days | No |
| Kentucky | No statutory limit | No fixed statutory deadline (KRS 383.580): itemized list required; landlord may apply the deposit to a rent debt after 30 days if the tenant does not demand it, or keep an unclaimed refund after 60 days if the tenant cannot be reached | No |
| Louisiana | No statutory limit | 30 days | No |
| Maine | 2 months' rent | 30 days for written leases; 21 days for tenancy-at-will | No |
| Maryland | 1 month's rent (effective Oct. 1, 2024; pre-Oct-2024 leases keep the prior 2-month cap, and a 2-month deposit is allowed only under the narrow DHS-utility-assistance exception) | 45 days | Yes |
| Massachusetts | 1 month's rent | 30 days | Yes |
| Michigan | 1.5 months' rent | 30 days | No |
| Minnesota | No statutory limit | 21 days (with deductions) or 3 weeks (no deductions) | Yes |
| Mississippi | No statutory limit | 45 days | No |
| Missouri | 2 months' rent | 30 days | No |
| Montana | No statutory limit (but must be reasonable based on potential damage) | 10 days (if no deductions); 30 days (if deductions made) | No |
| Nebraska | 1 month's rent (no pets); 1.25 months' rent (with pets) | 14 days | No |
| Nevada | 3 months' rent | 30 days | No |
| New Hampshire | 1 month's rent or $100, whichever is greater | 30 days | Yes |
| New Jersey | 1.5 months' rent | 30 days after lease termination (5 business days if the tenant is displaced by fire, flood, condemnation, or evacuation; 15 business days if the lease terminates under the Safe Housing Act, N.J.S.A. 46:8-9.6, for domestic violence) | Yes |
| New Mexico | 1 month's rent (less than 1-year lease); no limit (1-year+ lease) | 30 days | Yes |
| New York | 1 month's rent | 14 days | Yes |
| North Carolina | 2 weeks' rent (week-to-week); 1.5 months' rent (month-to-month); 2 months' rent (longer term) | 30 days | No |
| North Dakota | 1 month's rent (up to 2 months' rent for a tenant convicted of a felony, or against whom a judgment has been entered for violating a previous rental agreement; pet deposit may not exceed the greater of $2,500 or 2 months' rent) | 30 days | Yes |
| Ohio | No statutory limit | 30 days | Yes |
| Oklahoma | No statutory limit | 45 days | No |
| Oregon | No statutory limit (must be reasonable) | 31 days | No |
| Pennsylvania | 2 months' rent (first year); 1 month's rent (subsequent years) | 30 days | Yes |
| Rhode Island | 1 month's rent (plus a separate furniture security deposit of up to 1 month's rent for furnished units where the landlord-supplied furniture has a replacement value of $5,000 or more at lease execution) | 20 days | No |
| South Carolina | No statutory limit | 30 days | No |
| South Dakota | 1 month's rent (greater amounts allowed if special conditions exist) | 14 days (2 weeks) | No |
| Tennessee | No statutory limit | No fixed statutory deadline in days to return the deposit. To retain any portion, the landlord must deposit it in a separate account and provide a listing of damages (Tenn. Code § 66-28-301(a)-(c)). Upon the tenant's request, a mutual move-out inspection is held and a signed damage listing compiled; the landlord must give notice of the inspection right within 5 days of the tenant's notice to vacate, with inspection on or within 4 days of vacating (§ 66-28-301(b)). If a refund is due, the landlord notifies the tenant's last known address; the deposit is forfeited only if the tenant fails to respond within 60 days of that notice (§ 66-28-301(f)). Damage claims are limited to damage discovered before the earlier of 30 days after the tenant vacates or 7 days after a new tenant takes possession (§ 66-28-301(g)). | No |
| Texas | No statutory limit | 30 days | No |
| Utah | No statutory limit | 30 days | No |
| Vermont | No statutory limit | 14 days | No |
| Virginia | 2 months' rent | 45 days | No |
| Washington | No statutory limit | 30 days | No |
| West Virginia | No statutory limit | 60 days after termination of tenancy, or 45 days after a new tenant occupies the premises, whichever is shorter | No |
| Wisconsin | No statutory limit | 21 days | No |
| Wyoming | No statutory limit | 30 days after termination, or 15 days after the landlord receives the renter's new mailing address, whichever is later (extended an additional 30 days, up to 60, if there is damage to the rental unit) | No |
| Puerto Rico | 1 month's rent | 30 days | No |
| Guam | 1 month's rent | 30 days | No |
| US Virgin Islands | 1 month's rent | 30 days | No |
| American Samoa | 1 month's rent | 30 days | No |
| Northern Mariana Islands | 1 month's rent | 30 days | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a security deposit?
A security deposit is a sum of money paid by a tenant to a landlord before moving in. It serves as protection for the landlord against property damage, unpaid rent, or lease violations. At the end of your lease, the landlord must return the deposit minus any legitimate deductions, within the timeframe set by your state's law.
How much can my landlord charge for a security deposit?
Security deposit limits vary widely by state. Some states cap deposits at 1 month's rent (like California and New York), while others allow up to 2-3 months' rent. Several states have no statutory limit at all, though the amount must still be reasonable. Use our calculator above to find your state's specific rules.
How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit?
Return deadlines range from 14 days to 60 days depending on your state. Most states require 30 days. Your landlord must typically provide an itemized list of any deductions. If they miss the deadline, many states impose penalties including double or triple the deposit amount.
Does my landlord have to pay interest on my security deposit?
Only some states require landlords to pay interest on security deposits. States like Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Virginia have interest requirements, though the rates and conditions vary. Most states do not require interest payments.
What can my landlord deduct from my security deposit?
Landlords can typically deduct for unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, and cleaning costs to return the unit to its original condition. They cannot deduct for normal wear and tear, such as minor scuffs on walls or worn carpet. The deductions must be itemized and reasonable.
What should I do if my landlord won't return my deposit?
First, send a written demand letter (certified mail) citing your state's security deposit statute. If the landlord still doesn't comply, you can file a claim in small claims court. Many states allow you to recover double or triple the deposit amount plus attorney fees if the landlord wrongfully withheld your deposit.
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Disclaimer
This calculator provides general information about state security deposit laws. It is not legal advice. Local ordinances may impose additional restrictions. For your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney or upload your lease for Honestkey™ analysis.
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