Free tool
Security Deposit Calculator by State
Look up your state's deposit limit, return deadline, and documentation requirements. Enter the numbers below and the calculator does the rest.
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Short answer
Every state sets its own rules for security deposits. This calculator shows the maximum deposit allowed, how many days you have to return it after move-out, whether an itemized statement is required, and the penalty for late or wrongful withholding — all based on the state statute.
How the calculator works
Select a state and enter the deposit details. The calculator cross-references the state's security deposit statute to show:
- Maximum deposit: The statutory cap, expressed as a multiple of monthly rent. States without a cap show "No statutory cap."
- Return deadline: The number of calendar or business days the landlord has to return the deposit after the tenant vacates.
- Itemized statement: Whether the state requires an itemized list of deductions when withholding any part of the deposit.
- Estimated refund: The deposit amount minus any damages claimed.
All calculations run in your browser. No data is sent to a server or stored anywhere.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit?
It depends on the state. Deadlines range from 14 days (e.g., New York, Vermont, Nebraska) to 60 days (e.g., Alabama, West Virginia). Most states require return within 21 to 30 calendar days of the tenant vacating the premises. This calculator shows the specific deadline for each state.
What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge?
Many states cap the security deposit at one or two months' rent, but some states (such as Texas, Ohio, and Florida) have no statutory maximum. The cap may differ for furnished versus unfurnished units, or based on the landlord's portfolio size, as in California.
Do landlords have to provide an itemized list of deductions?
Nearly every state with a security deposit statute requires landlords to send the tenant an itemized statement listing each deduction. The statement must describe the damage or charge and the amount deducted. Failure to itemize can result in penalties including forfeiture of the right to claim deductions.
What happens if a landlord misses the return deadline?
Penalties vary by state. Common consequences include the landlord forfeiting the right to claim deductions, owing the tenant double or triple the deposit amount, or being liable for the tenant's attorney fees. Some states presume bad faith if the deadline is missed.
Can a landlord deduct for normal wear and tear?
No. Every state that addresses the issue prohibits landlords from deducting for normal wear and tear. Normal wear and tear includes minor scuffs, small nail holes, and gradual carpet fading from ordinary use. Damage beyond normal use, such as large holes in walls or burns in carpet, can be deducted.
Document deposit condition with photos
ProFlow360 captures timestamped move-in and move-out photos room by room, so your deposit deductions are backed by organized evidence — not a folder of unlabeled images.
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