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Security deposit questions, answered
Most states set a deadline and allowable deductions in statute. The amount, the clock, and what a landlord may subtract vary widely. Document the unit, return keys the way the lease requires, and confirm the rule where you live.
You do not have to solve the whole case tonight. Take the next right step.
How long does my landlord have to return my deposit?
It is set by state law and varies widely, so we do not publish a number here. Your state page links the official statute and a legal-aid guide, which is where the current deadline lives. If a deadline may already have passed, that is a good reason to contact legal aid promptly.
Open the full answerWhat counts as normal wear and tear?
Most states distinguish deterioration from ordinary use — faded paint, lightly worn carpet, small nail holes — from damage such as holes in walls, broken fixtures, or heavy staining. Where the line falls is state-specific and fact-specific, which is why dated move-in and move-out photos matter so much.
Open the full answerMy landlord sent a bill instead of a refund. What now?
Ask in writing for supporting invoices, receipts, or estimates for every charge, and compare each item against your move-in record. Keep the request and the response. If the charges still look unsupported, legal aid or small-claims self-help can explain your options.
Open the full answerDo I have to give a forwarding address?
In many states the deposit process depends on the landlord having one, and providing it in writing protects you either way. Keep a copy of when and how you sent it.
Open the full answerCan I sue without a lawyer?
Small-claims court is built for that, and deposit disputes are among its most common cases. Limits, deadlines, and procedures are set by state and county. Your local court's self-help center is the right place to confirm them.
Open the full answerIs there a national cap on security deposits?
No. Caps, allowed deductions, and return deadlines are state questions — sometimes city questions. This site does not reprint a number that can go stale.
Open the full answerWhere do I confirm the deposit rule for my address?
Open your state page for the official chapter. Document the unit, return keys as the lease requires, and keep a forwarding address before you send a demand.
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Confirm it in your state
Last reviewed 8 September 2026. Legal information, not legal advice. Not a law firm. hello@renterprotection.org