Security Deposit Laws by State
Comprehensive guides to security deposit rules, deadlines, and tenant rights in each state.
Available State Guides
Arizona
14 business days after termination, delivery of possession, AND tenant demand
14 business days
Deadline
No limit
Max Deposit
Up to 2x
Penalty
California
21 calendar days after tenant vacates premises
21 days
Deadline
1 month
Max Deposit
Up to 2x
Penalty
Colorado
30 days (up to 60 if specified in lease)
30-60 days
Deadline
No limit
Max Deposit
Up to 3x
Penalty
Florida
15 days if no claim, 30 days to send certified notice if claiming deductions
15/30 days
Deadline
No limit
Max Deposit
Forfeiture
Penalty
Georgia
30 days after tenant vacates and provides forwarding address
30 days
Deadline
No limit
Max Deposit
Up to 3x
Penalty
Illinois
30 days for non-itemized return; 45 days if providing itemized deductions
30-45 days
Deadline
No limit
Max Deposit
Up to 2x
Penalty
Maryland
45 days after termination of tenancy
45 days
Deadline
No limit
Max Deposit
Up to 3x
Penalty
Massachusetts
30 days after termination of occupancy
30 days
Deadline
1 month
Max Deposit
Up to 3x
Penalty
Michigan
30 days after termination of occupancy
30 days
Deadline
1.5 months
Max Deposit
Up to 2x
Penalty
New Jersey
30 days after termination of tenancy or delivery of premises, whichever is later
30 days
Deadline
1.5 months
Max Deposit
Up to 2x
Penalty
New York
14 days after tenant vacates
14 days
Deadline
1 month
Max Deposit
Forfeiture
Penalty
North Carolina
30 days after termination of tenancy
30 days
Deadline
No limit
Max Deposit
Forfeiture
Penalty
Ohio
30 days after termination of rental agreement and delivery of possession
30 days
Deadline
No limit
Max Deposit
Up to 2x
Penalty
Pennsylvania
30 days after termination of lease and delivery of possession
30 days
Deadline
No limit
Max Deposit
Up to 2x
Penalty
Texas
30 days after tenant surrenders AND provides written forwarding address
30 days
Deadline
No limit
Max Deposit
$100 + 3x
Penalty
Virginia
45 days after termination of tenancy and possession delivery
45 days
Deadline
2 months
Max Deposit
Forfeiture
Penalty
Washington
30 days after termination and tenant vacates
30 days
Deadline
No limit
Max Deposit
Up to 2x
Penalty
Quick Comparison
| State | Deadline | Max Deposit | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 14 business days | No limit | Up to 2x |
| California | 21 days | 1 month | Up to 2x |
| Colorado | 30-60 days | No limit | Up to 3x |
| Florida | 15/30 days | No limit | Forfeiture |
| Georgia | 30 days | No limit | Up to 3x |
| Illinois | 30-45 days | No limit | Up to 2x |
| Maryland | 45 days | No limit | Up to 3x |
| Massachusetts | 30 days | 1 month | Up to 3x |
| Michigan | 30 days | 1.5 months | Up to 2x |
| New Jersey | 30 days | 1.5 months | Up to 2x |
| New York | 14 days | 1 month | Forfeiture |
| North Carolina | 30 days | No limit | Forfeiture |
| Ohio | 30 days | No limit | Up to 2x |
| Pennsylvania | 30 days | No limit | Up to 2x |
| Texas | 30 days | No limit | $100 + 3x |
| Virginia | 45 days | 2 months | Forfeiture |
| Washington | 30 days | No limit | Up to 2x |
Key Statute Explainers
Direct links to each state's core deposit-return statute explainer.
Arizona
A.R.S. § 33-1321(D) - Landlord must return deposit within 14 business days after demand
California
Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(h)(1) - Landlord must return deposit within 21 days
Colorado
C.R.S. § 38-12-103(1) - Landlord must return deposit within 30 days (or up to 60 if in lease)
Florida
Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3) - Landlord must return deposit within 15 days (no claim) or 30 days (with claim)
Georgia
O.C.G.A. § 44-7-34 - Landlord must return deposit within 30 days after termination and receipt of forwarding address
Illinois
765 ILCS 710/1 - Landlord must return deposit within 30-45 days after tenant vacates
Maryland
Md. Real Prop. § 8-203(e) - Landlord must return deposit within 45 days
Massachusetts
MGL c. 186 § 15B(4) - Landlord must return deposit within 30 days after termination
Michigan
MCL 554.609 - Landlord must return deposit within 30 days with itemization
New Jersey
N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1 - Landlord must return deposit within 30 days with itemized statement
New York
N.Y. GOL § 7-108(1-a) - Landlord must return deposit within 14 days
North Carolina
NCGS § 42-52 - Landlord must return deposit within 30 days after termination
Ohio
ORC § 5321.16(B) - Landlord must return deposit within 30 days with itemized statement
Pennsylvania
68 Pa.C.S. § 250.512(a) - Landlord must return deposit within 30 days with itemized list
Texas
Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103 - Landlord must return deposit within 30 days after forwarding address provided
Virginia
Va. Code § 55.1-1226(A) - Landlord must return deposit within 45 days
Washington
RCW 59.18.280 - Landlord must return deposit within 30 days with full and specific statement
Coming Soon
We're expanding our coverage. These state guides are in development:
Want your state added? Our automated legal analysis is currently available for 17 states. We're expanding coverage—use the free tools and guides now, and check back for new states.