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Security Deposit Laws by State

Quick reference card with deposit limits, return deadlines, and documentation requirements for all 50 states plus Washington DC.

Itemized statement required
Interest payment required
Not required
StateMax DepositReturn DeadlineItemizedInterestNotes
AlabamaNo limit60 daysAfter 35 days if no forwarding address
Alaska2 months14 days (30 if longer term)
Arizona1.5 months14 days
Arkansas2 months60 days
California1 month (unfurn) / 2 months (furn)21 daysEffective 7/1/2024 cap applies
ColoradoNo limit30 days (60 with lease)
Connecticut2 months30 days (15 after termination)Interest must be paid annually
Delaware1 month (after 1st yr)20 days
DC1 month45 days
FloridaNo limit15-30 days15 if no deductions; 30 with deductions
GeorgiaNo limit30 days
Hawaii1 month14 days
IdahoNo limit21 days (30 w/lease term)
IllinoisNo limit30-45 daysInterest req. if 25+ units (Chicago local rules differ)
IndianaNo limit45 days
Iowa2 months30 days
Kansas1 month (unfurn) / 1.5 (furn)30 days
KentuckyNo limit30-60 daysMust hold in separate account
LouisianaNo limit30 days
Maine2 months30 days (21 if no forwarding)
Maryland2 months45 daysInterest if held 50+ units
Massachusetts1 month30 days5% annual interest or actual rate
Michigan1.5 months30 daysDetailed move-in checklist required
MinnesotaNo limit21 days (5 for old/sick)1% simple interest
MississippiNo limit45 days
Missouri2 months30 days
MontanaNo limit30 days (10 if no deductions)
Nebraska1 month (no pets) / 1.25 (pets)14 days
Nevada3 months30 days
New Hampshire1 month or $10030 daysWhichever is greater
New Jersey1.5 months30 daysMust be in interest-bearing account
New Mexico1 month (< 1yr lease)30 days
New York1 month14 daysHSTPA 2019 reforms; must hold in interest-bearing account
North Carolina2 months (or 1.5 for mo-to-mo)30 daysMust hold in trust account
North Dakota1 month (2 for pet damage history)30 days
OhioNo limit30 daysInterest if over $50 and lease > 6 months
OklahomaNo limit45 days
OregonNo limit31 days
Pennsylvania2 months (1 after 1st yr)30 daysInterest after 25 months in escrow
Rhode Island1 month20 days
South CarolinaNo limit30 days
South Dakota1 month (2 for special circumstances)14 days (45 after lease end)
TennesseeNo limit30 days
TexasNo limit30 daysMust provide forwarding address
UtahNo limit30 days
VermontNo limit14 days
Virginia2 months45 days
WashingtonNo limit21 daysMust provide written checklist at move-in
West VirginiaNo limit60 days
WisconsinNo limit21 daysMove-in/move-out checklist required
WyomingNo limit30 days (15 if no deductions)

Disclaimer: This reference card provides a general overview of state security deposit laws as of 2025. Laws change frequently and local jurisdictions may have additional requirements. Always verify current regulations with your state landlord-tenant statute or a local attorney before relying on this information.

Security Deposit Best Practices

Document Everything

Take timestamped photos at move-in and move-out. Use a written checklist signed by both parties. This is your strongest protection against disputes.

Separate Trust Account

Many states require deposits held in a separate account. Even where not required, it protects you from commingling claims and simplifies accounting.

Return Early When Possible

Returning deposits quickly builds goodwill and reduces dispute risk. Many states impose penalties (2-3x the deposit) for late returns.

Normal Wear vs Damage

Faded paint, worn carpet, and minor scuffs are normal wear. Holes in walls, stained carpets, and broken fixtures are damage. Know the difference — courts do.

Track security deposits and generate move-in/move-out reports with TenantFlow

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