Security deposit laws by state
How much a landlord can charge, how many days they have to return a deposit, what they can deduct, and what happens if they don't — for 51 jurisdictions, each rule linked to the statute it comes from. Last checked .
When is my deposit due back?
Choose your state and move-out date to see when your landlord must return the deposit.
Every state at a glance
| State | Maximum deposit | Return deadline | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 1 month' rent | 60 days after the tenancy terminates | Up to 2× the amount withheld |
| Alaska | 2 months' rent | 14 days after the tenancy terminates | Up to 2× the amount withheld |
| Arizona | 1.5 months' rent | 14 business days after the tenancy terminates | Up to 2× the amount withheld |
| Arkansas | 2 months' rent | 60 days after the tenancy terminates | Up to 2× the amount withheld |
| California | 1 month' rent | 21 days after move-out | Up to 2× the amount withheld |
| Colorado | 2 months' rent | 30 days (see details) | Up to 3× the amount withheld |
| Connecticut | 2 months' rent | 21 days after the tenancy terminates | Up to 2× the amount withheld |
| Delaware | 1 month' rent | 20 days after the tenancy terminates | Up to 2× the amount withheld |
| District of Columbia | 1 month' rent | 45 days after the tenancy terminates | Up to 3× the amount withheld |
| Florida | No statewide limit | 15 days after the tenancy terminates | See state page |
| Georgia | 2 months' rent | 30 days (see details) | Up to 3× the amount withheld |
| Hawaii | 1 month' rent | 14 days after the tenancy terminates | Up to 3× the amount withheld |
| Idaho | No statewide limit | 21 days after the tenant gives up the unit | Up to 3× the amount withheld |
| Illinois | No statewide limit | 30 days after move-out | Up to 2× the amount withheld |
| Indiana | No statewide limit | 45 days (see details) | See state page |
| Iowa | 2 months' rent | 30 days (see details) | See state page |
| Kansas | 1 month' rent | 30 days (see details) | Up to 2.5× the amount withheld |
| Kentucky | No statewide limit | No fixed deadline | See state page |
| Louisiana | No statewide limit | 1 month after the tenancy terminates | Up to 2× the amount withheld |
| Maine | 2 months' rent | 30 days after the tenancy terminates | Up to 2× the amount withheld |
| Maryland | 1 month' rent | 45 days after the tenancy terminates | Up to 3× the amount withheld |
| Massachusetts | 1 month' rent | 30 days after the tenancy terminates | Up to 3× the amount withheld |
| Michigan | 1.5 months' rent | 30 days after move-out | Up to 2× the amount withheld |
| Minnesota | No statewide limit | 21 days after the tenancy terminates | Up to 2× the amount withheld |
| Mississippi | No statewide limit | 45 days (see details) | See state page |
| Missouri | 2 months' rent | 30 days after the tenancy terminates | Up to 2× the amount withheld |
| Montana | No statewide limit | 30 days after the tenancy terminates | See state page |
| Nebraska | 1 month' rent | 14 days after the tenancy terminates | See state page |
| Nevada | 3 months' rent | 30 days after the tenancy terminates | Up to 2× the amount withheld |
| New Hampshire | 1 month' rent | 30 days after the tenancy terminates | Up to 2× the amount withheld |
| New Jersey | 1.5 months' rent | 30 days after the tenancy terminates | Up to 2× the amount withheld |
| New Mexico | 1 month' rent | 30 days (see details) | See state page |
| New York | 1 month' rent | 14 days after move-out | Up to 2× the amount withheld |
| North Carolina | 2 months' rent | 30 days after the tenant gives up the unit | See state page |
| North Dakota | 1 month' rent | 30 days after the tenant gives up the unit | Up to 3× the amount withheld |
| Ohio | No statewide limit | 30 days after the tenancy terminates | Up to 2× the amount withheld |
| Oklahoma | No statewide limit | 45 days (see details) | See state page |
| Oregon | No statewide limit | 31 days after the tenancy terminates | Up to 2× the amount withheld |
| Pennsylvania | 2 months' rent | 30 days (see details) | Up to 2× the amount withheld |
| Rhode Island | 1 month' rent | 20 days (see details) | Up to 3× the amount withheld |
| South Carolina | No statewide limit | 30 days (see details) | Up to 3× the amount withheld |
| South Dakota | 1 month' rent | 21 days (see details) | See state page |
| Tennessee | No statewide limit | No fixed deadline | See state page |
| Texas | No statewide limit | 30 days after the tenant gives up the unit | Up to 3× the amount withheld |
| Utah | No statewide limit | 30 days after move-out | See state page |
| Vermont | No statewide limit | 14 days after move-out | Up to 2× the amount withheld |
| Virginia | 2 months' rent | 45 days (see details) | See state page |
| Washington | No statewide limit | 30 days (see details) | Up to 2× the amount withheld |
| West Virginia | No statewide limit | 60 days after the tenancy terminates | Up to 1.5× the amount withheld |
| Wisconsin | No statewide limit | 21 days (see details) | Up to 2× the amount withheld |
| Wyoming | No statewide limit | 30 days after the tenancy terminates | See state page |
Summary only — many states add conditions. Open your state for the full rules and the statute text. This is legal information, not legal advice; see our methodology.