Security deposit return deadline calculator
Pick your state and the day your tenancy ended. You will see the date your landlord must return the deposit or send an itemised list of deductions, what happens if they miss it, and the law that sets the rule.
Choose a state to see the deadline.
General information, not legal advice. Dates are worked out in calendar days from the date you enter; your lease, contract or a local ordinance can change the answer. Nothing you enter leaves your browser.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit?
It depends on the state. Most states set a deadline between 14 and 60 days after the tenancy ends or the tenant moves out, and many require an itemised list of any deductions by the same date. A few states set no fixed number of days. The calculator above shows the rule for your state.
When does the clock start?
Usually when the tenancy ends and you hand back possession, but states word it differently. Some count from the end of the lease, some from move-out, and some only once you give a forwarding address. The rule for your state is quoted in full under the date.
What can I do if my landlord misses the deadline?
Send a short written demand that names the deadline and the statute, and keep a copy. Many states let a tenant recover a multiple of the deposit, often two or three times, when a landlord keeps it in bad faith or misses the deadline. Small claims court handles most deposit disputes without a lawyer.
Can a landlord keep the deposit for normal wear and tear?
No. Deductions are for unpaid rent and damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, such as holes in walls or broken fixtures. Faded paint, light carpet wear and small scuffs from everyday living are generally not deductible.
Check your lease before you move in
See every deposit, fee and repair clause explained against your state’s law.
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