Security Deposit Resources
Free guides to help you understand your rights, meet deadlines, and recover your security deposit.
Getting Started
How to Dispute Security Deposit Deductions
Step-by-step guide to challenging unfair charges from your landlord.
BasicsSecurity Deposit Demand Letter
How to write and send an effective demand letter to recover your deposit.
BasicsLandlord Kept My Security Deposit
What to do when your landlord won't return your security deposit.
Know Your Deadlines
Security Deposit Return Deadlines by State
Look up your state's deadline for landlords to return security deposits.
DeadlinesCalifornia Security Deposit Deadline
California landlords have 21 days to return your deposit.
DeadlinesFlorida Security Deposit Deadline
Florida landlords have 15–30 days depending on whether they claim deductions.
DeadlinesTexas Security Deposit Deadline
Texas landlords have 30 days to return your deposit.
DeadlinesGeorgia Security Deposit Deadline
Georgia landlords have 30 days to return your deposit.
DeadlinesIllinois Security Deposit Deadline
Illinois landlords have 30–45 days to return your deposit.
DeadlinesNew Jersey Security Deposit Deadline
New Jersey landlords have 30 days to return your deposit.
DeadlinesArizona Security Deposit Deadline
Arizona landlords have 14 days to return your deposit.
DeadlinesColorado Security Deposit Deadline
Colorado landlords have 30 days (or up to 60) to return your deposit.
DeadlinesWashington Security Deposit Deadline
Washington landlords have 21 days to return your deposit.
DeadlinesNorth Carolina Security Deposit Deadline
North Carolina landlords have 30 days to return your deposit.
DeadlinesVirginia Security Deposit Deadline
Virginia landlords have 45 days to return your deposit.
DeadlinesOhio Security Deposit Deadline
Ohio landlords have 30 days to return your deposit.
DeadlinesPennsylvania Security Deposit Deadline
Pennsylvania landlords have 30 days to return your deposit.
DeadlinesMichigan Security Deposit Deadline
Michigan landlords have 30 days to return your deposit.
DeadlinesMassachusetts Security Deposit Deadline
Massachusetts landlords have 30 days to return your deposit.
Deductions & Charges
What Can Landlords Deduct From Your Security Deposit?
Know what's a legitimate deduction and what crosses the line.
DeductionsNormal Wear and Tear vs. Damage
Learn the difference — landlords can't charge you for normal wear.
DeductionsCan Your Landlord Charge for Cleaning?
When cleaning charges are valid and when they're not.
DeductionsCan Your Landlord Charge for Painting?
Painting after normal use is the landlord's responsibility in most states.
Taking Action
State Guides
Ready to get your deposit back?
Start Your Recovery