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Security Deposit Laws by State

Jeanne Sanford | February 3, 2026 | 15 min read
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Security Deposit
Last updated iconLast updated February 3rd, 2026

Navigating the landscape of rental properties can be a complex endeavor for both landlords and tenants alike, with security deposits representing one of the most critical aspects of the leasing agreement. These financial safeguards are designed to protect landlords against potential damage to their property or unpaid rent, while also serving as a significant consideration for tenants as they plan their finances around a move. However, what is often less straightforward is the variation in security deposit laws from one state to another.

Stay informed and prepared, whether you’re drafting your next lease agreement or planning your move into a new rental home. Explore the varied landscape of security deposit laws across the U.S., ensuring that landlords and tenants alike can foster fair and lawful leasing relationships.

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Alabama

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Alaska

  • Maximum: 2 months’ rent, except for units renting for more than $2,000
  • Returning: 14 days if there are no deductions, 30 days with deductions
  • Statute: § 34.03.070(a), § 34.03.070(g)

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Arizona

  • Maximum: 1.5 months’ rent
  • Returning: 14 days not including weekends and holidays from move-out inspection (excl. weekends and holidays)
  • Statute: § 33–1321

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Arkansas

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California

  • Maximum: 2 months’ rent (unfurnished), 3 months’ rent (furnished) until July 1, 2024. After that date, the maximum is 1 month rent for all types of rentals
  • Returning: 21 days from the move-out date
  • Statute: 1950.5

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Colorado

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Connecticut

  • Maximum: 1 month’s rent if tenant is 62 years or older, 2 months’ rent if younger
  • Returning: 30 days from the move-out date or 15 days from receiving the tenant’s new address
  • Statute: § 47a-21

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Delaware

  • Maximum: 1 month’s rent for leases of one year or more. No limit on all others
  • Returning: 20 days from the termination date
  • Statute: Title 25 § 5514

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Florida

  • Maximum: No limit
  • Returning: Up to 60 days if deductions, 15 days if no deductions
  • Statute: § 83.49(3)(a)

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Georgia

  • Maximum: No limit
  • Returning: 30 days from the termination date
  • Statute: § 44–7–34

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Hawaii

  • Maximum: 1 month’s rent (excluding pet fee)
  • Returning: 14 days from the termination date
  • Statute: § 521–44

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Idaho

  • Maximum: No limit
  • Returning: 30 days if stated in the lease, 21 days if not
  • Statute: § 6–320, 321

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Illinois

  • Maximum: No limit
    • Cook County, IL: 1.5 month’s rent
  • Returning: 30 days if deductions, 45 days if no deductions
    • Cook County, IL: 30 days
  • Statute: 765 ILCS 710

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Indiana

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Iowa

  • Maximum: 2 months’ rent
  • Returning: 30 days after the tenant has vacated
  • Statute: § 562A.12

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Kansas

  • Maximum: 1 month’s rent (unfurnished), 1.5 months’ rent (furnished) (not including pet deposit)
  • Returning: 14 days after making deductions or 30 days from the termination date
  • Statute: § 58–2550

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Kentucky

  • Maximum: No limit
  • Returning: No deadline, but landlord must send written notice to tenant that a refund will be coming. If there is no response from tenant within 60 days, landlord may keep security deposit
  • Statute: § 383.580(6)

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Louisiana

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Maine

  • Maximum: 2 months’ rent
  • Returning: 30 days if the lease is terminated, 21 days if fixed-tenancy at-will
  • Statute: § 6032, § 6033

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Maryland

  • Maximum: 2 months’ rent
  • Returning: 45 days from the termination date
  • Statute: § 8–203

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Massachusetts

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Michigan

  • Maximum: 1.5 months’ rent
  • Returning: 30 days from the end of occupancy
  • Statute: § 554.602, § 554.609

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Minnesota

  • Maximum: No limit
  • Returning: 3 weeks from the termination date
  • Statute: § 504B.178

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Mississippi

  • Maximum: No limit
  • Returning: 45 days from the end of tenancy
  • Statute: § 89–8–21

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Missouri

  • Maximum: 2 months’ rent
  • Returning: 30 days from the termination of tenancy
  • Statute: § 535.300

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Montana

  • Maximum: No limit
  • Returning: 10 days if no deductions, 30 days if deductions
  • Statute: § 70–25–202

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Nebraska

  • Maximum: 1 month’s rent (excluding pet fee)
  • Returning: 14 days if no deductions, 14 days of move-out inspection
  • Statute: § 76–1416

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Nevada

  • Maximum: 3 months’ rent
  • Returning: 30 days from the end of tenancy
  • Statute: NRS 118A.242

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New Hampshire

  • Maximum: 1 month’s rent or $100, whichever is greater
  • Returning: 30 days, 20 days if the property is shared with the landlord
  • Statute: RSA 540-A:6, RSA 540-A:7

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New Jersey

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New Mexico

  • Maximum: 1 month’s rent for leases under one year. No limit for residential leases one year or more
  • Returning: 30 days from the termination date
  • Statute: § 47–8–18

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New York

  • Maximum: 1 month’s rent unless the deposit is for a seasonal use dwelling unit
  • Returning: 14 days after the tenant has vacated
  • Statute: Emergency Tenant Protection Act 576/74(f), § 7–108 (e)

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North Carolina

  • Maximum: 2 months’ rent for tenancies of more than 2 months; 1.5 months’ rent for month-to-month tenancies
  • Returning: 30 days along with itemized deductions if any. Landlord may have up to 60 days to determine deductions and return security deposit.
  • Statute: § 42–51, § 42–52

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North Dakota

  • Maximum: 1 month’s rent (excluding pet deposit)
  • Returning: 30 days from the termination date
  • Statute: § 47–16–07.1

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Ohio

  • Maximum: No limit
  • Returning: 30 days from the termination date
  • Statute: § 5321.16

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Oklahoma

  • Maximum: No limit
  • Returning: 45 days from the termination date
  • Statute: § 41–115(B)

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Oregon

  • Maximum: No limit
  • Returning: 31 days from the termination date
  • Statute: § 90.300

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Pennsylvania

  • Maximum: 2 months’ rent
  • Returning: 30 days from the termination date
  • Statute: § 250.511a, § 250.512

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Rhode Island

  • Maximum: 1 month’s rent
  • Returning: 20 days from the termination date
  • Statute: § 34–18–19

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South Carolina

  • Maximum: No limit
  • Returning: 30 days from the termination date
  • Statute: § 27–40–410

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South Dakota

  • Maximum: 1 month’s rent
  • Returning: 14 days and then if lessee requests an itemization of all lawful deductions, landlord has 45 days to send that written notice
  • Statute: § 43.32-6.1 and 43-32-24

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Tennessee

  • Maximum: No limit
  • Returning: 30 days from the termination date
  • Statute: § 66–28–301

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Texas

  • Maximum: No limit
  • Returning: 30 days after the tenant has vacated
  • Statute: § 92.103

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Utah

  • Maximum: No limit
  • Returning: 30 days from the termination date
  • Statute: § 57–17–3

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Vermont

  • Maximum: 1 month rent
  • Returning: 14 days, 60 days if a seasonal property
  • Statute: § 4461

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Virginia

  • Maximum: 2 months’ rent
  • Returning: 45 days from the termination date or the date the tenant vacates the dwelling unit, whichever occurs last
  • Statute: § 55.1–1226

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Washington

  • Maximum: No limit
  • Returning: 21 days from the tenant’s move-out date
  • Statute: § 59.18.280

Seattle

  • Maximum: 1 month rent
  • Return: 21 days

Tacoma

  • Maximum: 1 month rent
  • Return: 21 days

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West Virginia

  • Maximum: No limit
  • Returning: 60 days after tenancy ends or 45 days after another tenant moves in, whichever shorter
  • Statute: § 37–6A-2

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Wisconsin

  • Maximum: No limit
  • Returning: 21 days from tenant’s vacancy date
  • Statute: § 134.06

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Wyoming

  • Maximum: No limit
  • Returning: 30 days from lease termination or 15 days from receiving the tenant’s forwarding address, whichever is later
  • Statute: § 1–21–1208(A)

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FAQs

How Much is a Security Deposit Usually?

The amount of a security deposit can vary widely depending on the state and the rental property itself. Generally, landlords may charge up to one to two months’ rent for a security deposit. However, some states have no limit on the amount a landlord can charge, while others specify maximum amounts. For example, in Alaska, the maximum security deposit is two months’ rent, except for units renting for more than $2,000 a month, which have no limit. It’s important to check the specific laws in your state for the most accurate information.

Does Section 8 Pay Security Deposit?

Section 8, a federal housing assistance program, does not directly pay for security deposits. The responsibility for the security deposit falls on the tenant. However, some local housing authorities or non-profit organizations may have programs or funds available to help Section 8 voucher holders with their security deposits. It’s advisable for Section 8 tenants to inquire with their local housing authority or a housing counselor for assistance or resources related to security deposits.

When is Security Deposit Due?

The security deposit is typically due at the time of lease signing or before the tenant moves into the rental unit. This timing can vary by landlord or management company, but it is common practice to collect the security deposit along with the first month’s rent before giving the tenant keys to the property. The specific requirements and timing should be outlined in the lease agreement.

Does Security Deposit Increase with Rent Increase?

Security deposits can increase with a rent increase, but this is subject to state laws and the terms of the lease agreement. Some states allow landlords to request additional security deposit funds to match rent increases, typically at the time of lease renewal. However, there may be limits to how much and how often a landlord can increase a security deposit. Tenants and landlords should refer to their state’s laws and their lease agreement for guidance.

Can Landlord Sue for Damages Beyond Security Deposit?

Yes, a landlord can sue a tenant for damages that exceed the amount of the security deposit. If the cost of repairs for damage to the property, unpaid rent, or other lease violations surpasses the security deposit, the landlord may pursue legal action to recover the additional funds. The landlord would need to provide evidence of the damages and their costs as part of the lawsuit. It’s important for both tenants and landlords to document the condition of the rental unit at move-in and move-out to support any claims related to damages.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and is published by TurboTenant. It is not legal, financial, or tax advice. Laws and regulations for landlords vary by state and locality and may change over time. Always consult a qualified attorney, accountant, or local housing authority before making decisions related to your rental property. The publisher and authors assume no responsibility for actions taken based on the information provided.