Is there a national cap on security deposits?

Key takeaways

• Deposit caps and return deadlines are state rules, not a national chart.
• Move-in and move-out photos are the usual evidence.
• A forwarding address is often required before the clock is treated as running.

Do this today

1. Gather the lease, move-in photos, the forwarding address you gave, and any deduction list.
2. Open your state deposit page for the official chapter.
3. Do not invent a dollar cap or a day-count from a blog.

What this page is not

• Not a national deposit-cap table.
• Not a demand letter sent on your behalf.
• Not legal advice.

Confirm it locally

Caps, clocks, and entry hours live in your state chapter. Search below, or take the paper to legal aid if a court is named.

Terms on this page

Security deposit

People also ask

• How long does my landlord have to return my deposit?
• What counts as normal wear and tear?
• My landlord sent a bill instead of a refund. What now?
• Do I have to give a forwarding address?
• Can I sue without a lawyer?
• Where do I confirm the deposit rule for my address?

Official sources

• LawHelp.orgFree legal aid by state. Start here for court papers.
• HUD tenant rightsFederal floor and state HUD pages.
• Cornell LII landlord-tenant tableIndex of official state chapters. We name the chapter; we do not paraphrase a number out of it.
• 211Local rent, shelter, food, and utilities, in many languages.