Security Deposit Laws by State
Comprehensive guides to security deposit rules, deadlines, and tenant rights in each state.
Available State Guides
Arizona
14 business day deadline, itemization required, bad faith penalties up to 2x deposit.
14 days
Deadline
1.5 months
Max Deposit
Up to 2x
Penalty
California
21-day deadline, strict itemization requirements, bad faith penalties up to 2x deposit.
21 days
Deadline
1 month
Max Deposit
Up to 2x
Penalty
Colorado
60-day deadline (or per lease), willful retention penalties up to 3x deposit.
60 days
Deadline
No limit
Max Deposit
Up to 3x
Penalty
Florida
30-day notice deadline via certified mail, tenant has 15 days to object.
30 days
Deadline
No limit
Max Deposit
Forfeiture
Penalty
New York
14-day deadline, inspection requirements, forfeiture for late itemization.
14 days
Deadline
1 month
Max Deposit
Forfeiture
Penalty
Texas
30-day deadline, itemization required, bad faith penalties of $100 plus 3x deposit.
30 days
Deadline
No limit
Max Deposit
$100 + 3x
Penalty
Washington
21-day deadline, move-in checklist required, penalties up to 2x deposit.
21 days
Deadline
No limit
Max Deposit
Up to 2x
Penalty
Quick Comparison
| State | Deadline | Max Deposit | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 14 days | 1.5 months | Up to 2x |
| California | 21 days | 1 month | Up to 2x |
| Colorado | 60 days | No limit | Up to 3x |
| Florida | 30 days | No limit | Forfeiture |
| New York | 14 days | 1 month | Forfeiture |
| Texas | 30 days | No limit | $100 + 3x |
| Washington | 21 days | No limit | Up to 2x |
Coming Soon
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