Find out which states require landlords to provide a security deposit receipt as well as what specific information (if any) must be included on it.
Failure to provide the correct receipt or documentation may require landlords to return security deposits immediately or even allow tenants to sue for damages.
Even if state laws do not require receipts for security deposits, local laws may be different. For example, Illinois state law does not require landlords to provide receipts for security deposits, but Chicago law does.
Colorado Security Deposit Receipt Requirement
Landlords in Colorado must provide a receipt when the tenant pays in cash or with a money order.
Connecticut Security Deposit Receipt Requirement
Landlords in Connecticut must provide receipts for security deposits paid in cash that state the date, amount received, and purpose of the payment.
Delaware Security Deposit Receipt Requirement
Landlords in Delaware must disclose the name and location of the bank account where the deposit will be held. However, an additional receipt of the deposit is not required to be provided.
Florida Security Deposit Receipt Requirement
Landlords in Florida must disclose the name and address of the financial institution where the deposit will be held (or whether a surety bond is posted instead), whether the tenant is entitled to interest, and a word-for-word recital of the disclosure provided in Section 83.4(2)(d) (see the section in all caps).
However, an additional receipt of the deposit is not required to be provided.
Georgia Security Deposit Receipt Requirement
In Georgia, if a landlord chooses to hold a security deposit in an escrow account (rather than post a bond), they must disclose the location of the account. However, an additional receipt of the deposit is not required to be provided.
Kentucky Security Deposit Receipt Requirement
Landlords in Kentucky must disclose the location of the financial institution and the account number where the deposit is held. However, an additional receipt of the deposit is not required to be provided.
Maine Security Deposit Receipt Requirement
Landlords in Maine must provide receipts for security deposits paid in cash that state the name and signature of the person accepting the payment, amount, purpose, date, and who the payment is for.
Maryland Security Deposit Receipt Requirement
Landlords in Maryland must always provide a receipt when collecting a security deposit that includes specific disclosures including the tenant’s rights regarding the initial and final inspections.
Massachusetts Security Deposit Receipt Requirement
Landlords in Massachusetts must always provide a receipt when collecting a security deposit that lists the amount, date, name, and signature of the person receiving it, and a description of the rental property.
Michigan Security Deposit Receipt Requirement
Landlords in Michigan must disclose the name and address of the financial institution or if a bond is posted instead; the disclosure must also include the name and address of the landlord. However, an additional receipt of the deposit is not required to be provided.
Minnesota Security Deposit Receipt Requirement
Landlords in Minnesota must provide receipts for security deposits paid in cash.
Nevada Security Deposit Receipt Requirement
Landlords in Nevada must provide signed receipts upon request.
New Hampshire Security Deposit Receipt Requirement
Landlords in New Hampshire must provide receipts for security deposits except for those paid by check.
New Jersey Security Deposit Receipt Requirement
Landlords in New Jersey must provide receipts for security deposits paid in cash. Landlords must also disclose the name and address of the depository, type of account, amount of deposit, and rate of interest.
New York Security Deposit Receipt Requirement
Landlords in New York must disclose the name and address of the financial institution where the deposit is held. However, an additional receipt of the deposit is not required to be provided.
North Carolina Security Deposit Receipt Requirement
Landlords in North Carolina must disclose the name and address of the financial institution where the deposit is held. However, an additional receipt of the deposit is not required to be provided.
Oregon Security Deposit Receipt Requirement
Landlords in Oregon must always provide a receipt when collecting a security deposit.
Pennsylvania Security Deposit Receipt Requirement
Landlords in Pennsylvania must disclose the name and address of the financial institution where the deposit is held. However, an additional receipt of the deposit is not required to be provided.
Tennessee Security Deposit Receipt Requirement
Landlords in Tennessee must disclose the location of the financial institution where the deposit is held. However, an additional receipt of the deposit is not required to be provided.
Washington Security Deposit Receipt Requirement
Landlords in Washington must always provide a receipt when collecting a security deposit and disclose the name and address of the financial institution where the deposit is held.
Washington D.C. Security Deposit Receipt Requirement
Landlords in Washington D.C. must provide receipts for security deposits except for payments made by personal check that includes the amount, purpose, and date. Landlords must also provide a specific disclosure that includes details about the security deposit and required attachments.
Wisconsin Security Deposit Receipt Requirement
Landlords in Wisconsin must always provide a receipt when collecting a security deposit that lists the amount and purpose of the payment.
What Should Be on a Security Deposit Receipt?
In addition to the state-specific requirements, the following should be found on a the security deposit receipt sent to tenants:
- Tenant’s Name. Be sure to include all members of the lease over the age of 18, or any cosigners of the lease.
- Address. This makes it absolutely clear of the property in question.
- Payment Date. This can help landlords track in their accounts when they received it, as well as for tenants to look up in their financials that they paid it.
- Escrow Account Information. In states where the security deposit is required to be held in escrow, name the institution as well as the address. In some states (such as Kentucky), the account number is required to be listed on the receipt.
- Security Deposit Return Information. While this is less essential, a good landlord should still make it abundantly clear what will happen to the money after the lease ends. Mention time frames, how the remaining money (after deductions) will be returned, and who the money will be sent to.
