Security Deposit Penalty Index (2026)
Public comparison table of state security deposit deadlines, penalty structures, and small claims limits.
Reviewed: 2026-03-03
Reviewer: ReclaimDeposit legal research team
| State | Deadline | Penalty model | Small claims limit | Primary statute | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 14 business days | 2x damages | $5,000 | A.R.S. § 33-1321 | Official source |
| California | 21 days | 2x damages | $12,500 | Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5 | Official source |
| Colorado | 30-60 days | 3x damages | $7,500 | C.R.S. § 38-12-103 | Official source |
| Florida | 15/30 days | Forfeiture risk | $8,000 | Fla. Stat. § 83.49 | Official source |
| Georgia | 30 days | 3x damages | $15,000 | O.C.G.A. § 44-7-30 et seq. | Official source |
| Illinois | 30-45 days | 2x damages | $10,000 | 765 ILCS 710 (Security Deposit Return Act) | Official source |
| Maryland | 45 days | 3x damages | $5,000 | Md. Real Prop. Code § 8-203 | Official source |
| Massachusetts | 30 days | 3x damages | $7,000 | MGL c. 186 § 15B | Official source |
| Michigan | 30 days | 2x damages | $7,000 | MCL 554.602-554.616 (Security Deposit Act) | Official source |
| New Jersey | 30 days | 2x damages | $5,000 | N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1 et seq. | Official source |
| New York | 14 days | Forfeiture risk | $10,000 | N.Y. GOL § 7-108 | Official source |
| North Carolina | 30 days | Actual damages | $10,000 | NCGS § 42-50 to 42-56 (Tenant Security Deposit Act) | Official source |
| Ohio | 30 days | 2x damages | $6,000 | ORC § 5321.16 (Landlord-Tenant Law) | Official source |
| Pennsylvania | 30 days | 2x damages | $12,000 | 68 Pa.C.S. § 250.511a-512 (Landlord and Tenant Act) | Official source |
| Texas | 30 days | $100 + 3x damages | $20,000 | Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103-92.109 | Official source |
| Virginia | 45 days | Actual damages | $5,000 | Va. Code § 55.1-1226 (Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act) | Official source |
| Washington | 30 days | 2x damages | $10,000 | RCW 59.18.260-280 | Official source |