Security Deposit Returns

Last Updated: June 11, 2024 by Roberto Valenzuela

Find out what can be deducted from security deposits, time frames for returning them to former tenants, and the consequences when security deposit return laws aren’t met.

What Can a Landlord Deduct from a Security Deposit?

Landlords in all states can make deductions from security deposits for unpaid rent and damage to the rental unit excluding normal wear and tear. Depending on the state, landlords can make deductions for other costs such as carpet cleaning and costs due to a breach of the lease agreement.

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What is Considered Normal Wear and Tear?

Normal wear and tear is deterioration that occurs naturally as a result of the tenant using the property as it was designed to be used. Common examples include:

  • Faded paint and carpet
  • Light scratches on glass and mirrors
  • Small nail holes on walls

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How Long Does a Landlord Have to Return a Security Deposit?

The time to return a security deposit varies by state, but is typically two to four weeks after the tenant moves out.

State Deadline to Return
Alabama 60 days
Alaska 14 days: without deductions for damages
30 days: with deductions for damages
Arizona 14 business days
Arkansas 60 days
California 21 days
Colorado 1 month (72 hours in hazardous situations)
Connecticut 15 days after the tenant provides their address or
21 days after the lease ends, whichever is later
Delaware 20 days
Florida 15 days: if no deductions
Up to 60 days: with deductions
Georgia 30 days
Hawaii 14 days
Idaho 21 days
Illinois 30 days: with deductions
45 days: if no deductions
Indiana 45 days
Iowa 30 days
Kansas 14 days
Kentucky No statutory deadline
Louisiana 1 month
Maine 30 days: if lease agreement is written
21 days: in a tenancy-at-will
Maryland 45 days
Massachusetts 30 days
Michigan 30 days
Minnesota 21 days (or 5 days after condemnation)
Mississippi 45 days
Missouri 30 days
Montana 10 days: if no deductions
30 days: with deductions
Indefinite period subject to court order: if the landlord has certain pending lawsuits against the tenant
Nebraska 14 days
Nevada 30 days (except 21 days for mobile homes)
New Hampshire 30 days
New Jersey 30 days (with exceptions for domestic violence, fire, flood, condemnation, or evacuation)
New Mexico 30 days
New York 14 days
North Carolina 30 days
North Dakota 30 days
Ohio 30 days
Oklahoma 45 days
Oregon 31 days (except 14 days if unit deemed unsafe)
Pennsylvania 30 days
Rhode Island 20 days
South Carolina 30 days
South Dakota 14 days
Tennessee No statutory deadline
Texas 30 days
Utah 30 days
Vermont 14 days
Virginia 45 days
Washington 30 days
Washington D.C. 45 days; if no deductions
Up to 75 days: with deductions
West Virginia 45 days after the next tenant moves in or
60 days after the lease ends, whichever is earlier
Wisconsin 21 days
Wyoming 15 days after the tenant provides an address or
30 days after the lease ends, whichever is later
(+30 days if deductions are made for damage)

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What Are the Consequences for Not Returning a Security Deposit on Time?

Neglecting the security deposit return laws, even if by accident, often carry penalties two to three times the amount of the security deposit.

State Maximum Penalty
Alabama 2x deposit
Alaska 2x amount due + court costs + attorneys’ fees
Arizona 3x amount due
Arkansas 2x amount due + court costs + attorneys’ fees
California Unintentional: amount of deposit
Bad faith: 2x deposit + amount due
Colorado 3x amount due + court costs + attorneys’ fees
Connecticut 2x deposit + court costs
Delaware 2x amount due + court costs
Florida Amount due + court costs + attorneys’ fees
Georgia Unintentional: amount due
Bad faith: 3x amount due + attorneys’ fees
Hawaii Unintentional: amount due
Bad faith: deposit + 3x amount due + court costs
Idaho 3x deposit or attorneys’ fees + court costs
Illinois Unintentional: actual damages
Bad faith: 2x deposit + amount due + court costs + attorneys’ fees
Indiana Deposit + court costs + attorneys’ fees
Iowa Deposit + 2x monthly rent + actual damages + attorneys’ fees
Kansas 1½x amount due
Kentucky Amount due
Louisiana Amount due + 2x amount due or $300 (whichever is greater) + court costs + attorneys’ fees
Maine 2x amount due + court costs + attorneys’ fees
Maryland 4x amount due + attorneys’ fees
Massachusetts 3x amount due + 5% interest + court costs + attorneys’ fees
Michigan 2x amount due
Minnesota Unintentional: 2x amount due
Bad faith: 2x amount due + $500
Mississippi $200 + actual damages
Missouri 2x amount due
Montana 2x amount due + court costs + attorneys’ fees
Nebraska Unintentional: Amount due + court costs + attorneys’ fees
Bad faith: Amount due + 1 month’s rent or 2x deposit (whichever is less) + court costs + attorneys’ fees
Nevada 2x deposit
New Hampshire 2x amount due
New Jersey 2x amount due + court costs + attorneys’ fees
New Mexico Deposit + $250 + court costs + attorneys’ fees
New York Unintentional: actual damages
Bad faith: 2x deposit + amount due
North Carolina Unintentional: amount due + attorneys’ fees
Bad faith: full deposit + attorneys’ fees
North Dakota 3x amount due + court costs
Ohio 2x amount due + attorneys’ fees
Oklahoma Amount due + court costs + attorneys’ fees
Oregon 2x amount due + court costs + attorneys’ fees
Pennsylvania 2x amount due
Rhode Island 2x deposit + attorneys’ fees
South Carolina 3x amount due + attorneys’ fees
South Dakota Deposit + $200 + court costs
Tennessee No statute
Texas 3x amount due + $100 + attorneys’ fees
Utah Deposit + $100
Vermont Unintentional: full deposit
Bad faith: 2x deposit + court costs + attorneys’ fees
Virginia Amount due + damages + attorneys’ fees
Washington Unintentional: deposit + court costs + attorneys’ fees
Bad faith: 2x deposit + court costs + attorneys’ fees
Washington D.C. 3x deposit + interest + court costs
West Virginia 2½x amount due + court costs
Wisconsin 2x amount due + court costs + attorneys’ fees
Wyoming Deposit + court costs

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Sources