Landlords must collect, hold, use, and return security deposits in a manner that complies with state law and the terms of their lease or rental agreement.
State Laws on Security Deposit Limits
A state-by-state breakdown of each state's security deposit limits.
Security Deposit Limits and Deadlines in Your State
Learn about your state's laws.
State Security Deposit Statutes
Here are the statutes that govern a landlord’s collection and return of security deposits.
Deducting Cleaning and Repair Costs From a Security Deposit
Landlords can't deduct the costs of repairing "ordinary wear and tear" from a security deposit. But what qualifies as ordinary wear and tear?
Security Deposit Limits and Uses
State rules on security deposit uses and dollar limits
Protect Your Security Deposit When You Move In
Record the condition of the property to safeguard your security deposit.
Security Deposit Cases in Small Claims Court
Disagreements about whether a landlord properly withheld all or part of a tenant's security deposit account for a large percentage of the landlord-tenant disputes that end up in small claims court. Problems involving security deposits often arise like this: The tenant moves out, making what the tenant
How Should a Landlord Prepare For Court?
A tenant has sued you in small claims court. What should landlords expect when they're sued? And how can they prepare for court?